We are selling the store. The papers are finally signed.
As Melanie always said when asked if we would sell, "The business, any business, should ALWAYS be for sale." The thing was, at what price? We put a lot into this over seven years. The price had to be worth it. And then the timing had to be right.
Well, both those things happened.
Rich got a job in Connecticut and is back running and marketing tradeshows again. Melanie will be putting the house up for sale and moving east as soon as that's done. We would've loved to stay here, but neither of us could find a decent job, not for lack of trying.
Edit: While Rich was in Connecticut for three months, the position didn't pan out as expected. So he came back to Pittsburgh and we still have the house and are looking for other opportunities here.
We think owning a suburban coffeehouse is a nice second income. In fact, you might be seeing us again, this time in the Connecticut coffee scene. But it was always part of the plan that one of us (er, Rich) would have a full time job and we'd use Aldo for a second income and an asset. For the first few years Rich managed a decent income from consulting, but as the economy turned south, so did the opportunities.
We'd say more about what's taking our place here but are waiting for the buyers/new owners to tell their own story.
That said, come 6pm on Tuesday, the era of us owning Aldo Coffee Co. in Mt. Lebanon will come to a close. We think the new owners will open on Wednesday, keep things as is through the weekend and then close for a few days before Thanksgiving to give the place a facelift. They will be open for LightUp Night.
As those close to the story know, the buyer used to work for us. She's a two-time regional barista competition finalist and also competed in the US Barista Championship twice. She is wonderful and you do or will soon love her.
To the best of our knowledge the entire staff is staying. The new owners will be using the same coffee, at least to start. And they have some new ideas and a lot of energy they'll be putting into the place. It'll be good. We are looking forward to being among their most enthusiastic customers when we are in town.
We'll say more within the next 48 hours. Just wanted to get this tidbit out in the public before people started making up their own assumptions.
Best wishes to all parties. I can't wait to have the REAL Aldo closer to us here on Long Island. We are very happy that you will all be in our geographic area soon.
Posted by: Natalie | November 13, 2011 at 05:27 PM
We assume by "real" you mean the 4-legged version?
Posted by: Rich | November 13, 2011 at 05:47 PM
We're going to miss you guys! Have a wonderful time in Connecticut, I hope you find good coffee and great eats.
Posted by: Cheryl Chris & Porter | November 13, 2011 at 05:57 PM
I'm in New York now, but I came of age as a barista in the midwest; Aldo was the inspiration. Aldo proved that you could do serious coffee and serious service in the rust belt. Rich and Mel continue to be an inspiration. All my love for the future.
Posted by: Wiggles | November 13, 2011 at 06:06 PM
Best wishes in your new chapter. Thanks for all you've done for specialty coffee in that area for so long. It's greatly appreciated.
Posted by: jason dominy | November 13, 2011 at 08:51 PM
I'm honored to have worked with both of you and wish nothing but the best for you. Lots of Love!
Posted by: Petra | November 14, 2011 at 09:15 AM
We love you guys and we owe you much thanks for the encouragement and help you've given us in our coffee endeavor in Beaver Falls. We often travel to Connecticut and would love to visit -- especially since we've yet to find a decent coffee shop up there!
Posted by: Russell Warren | November 14, 2011 at 10:23 AM
Melanie & Rich,
We are sorry to see you go. Thank you for giving Andi the opportunity to work and learn so much! Good luck in all you do!
Andi, Bill, & Alex
Posted by: Bill | November 14, 2011 at 11:21 AM
Good luck in all your future endeavors!
Posted by: jay w. roman | November 14, 2011 at 07:33 PM
All best wishes Melanie and Rich! Thanks for being so kind and supportive of my Ruthie! She was fortunate to have you in her life, as was all of Mt. Lebo. You will be missed! Ruthie's mom, Jill
Posted by: Jill | November 15, 2011 at 04:25 PM
hi-can't believe you selling-i have wonderful memories of ALdo's and when we visit i plan to
stop in -always loved the feel of Aldo's and of course
the great coffee!
linda raczkiewicz
Posted by: linda raczkiewicz | November 15, 2011 at 05:52 PM
i of course want to wish you Rich and Melanie
the best for the future -you deserve it!
will miss you when i am in pittsburgh
linda raczkiewicz
Posted by: linda raczkiewicz | November 15, 2011 at 05:55 PM
I'll always remember playing at Aldo's after Liquid Emotion came out. You and your excellent coffee were a very welcome addition to Washington Road. I'm looking forward to supporting the new owners!
Posted by: BobbieTownsend1 | November 16, 2011 at 06:28 AM
Melanie & Rich, I'm gonna miss both you guys. I spent a lot of time in your shop if not a lot of money. But I always enjoyed the coffee and the food. Thanks for being so gracious hosts for so many years.
Best of luck to you both!
Posted by: Carl | November 21, 2011 at 06:04 PM
Just heard the news. Thank you so much for all you did for the Lisa Styles race and I wish you guys a lot of luck as you move forward.
Posted by: Sara-Summer Oliphant | December 01, 2011 at 12:05 AM