I was going about my Friday morning, packing my bags to head back to Happy Valley, when I heard the news. The downtown Way Fruit Farm would be closing its doors.

The store, located at 252 E Calder Way, announced it’s shutting down on August 22 after failed negotiations “to secure a reasonable price” for a lease renewal.

My brain flashed back to the countless hours I’ve spent in that Way Fruit Farm basement interviewing prospective Onward State colleagues, cramming in assignments, and drinking one too many Boss Lady chai lattes.

Downtown Way Fruit Farm was more than just a store and cafe. For many, it was a place to gather, access fresh food and ingredients, and escape the craziness of college life.

I’ll miss the Bossy Lady chai most of all. The perfect dirty chai, every single time.

Recommended to me on one of my first visits to the shop, it became a staple throughout my college years — so much so that I started recommending it to people during Onward State interviews while they were there.

Speaking of interviews, Downtown Way Fruit Farm holds a special place in our hearts as a staff. A large portion of our staff was hired from within that basement, where we’d post up for multiple hours a day during hiring weeks.

It provided a place for our editors to hang out and get to know prospective applicants. You’d find that most editors would stay in between interview shifts because its atmosphere is just that amazing. Where are we ever going to interview folks now?

I’m endlessly thankful to the Way Fruit Farm staff who poured their hearts into this downtown market for five years. You all created a wonderful community in a bustling downtown space, and for that, I thank you!

I don’t know how I’ll ever replace the downtown accessibility of such a wonderful place, but luckily, I can still go to the Port Matilda store to fill the void.

So long, Downtown Way Fruit Farm. You will be missed!