Abide Coffeehouse reopens after more water damage

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Small businesses are the heart of local communities. Support is pouring in for one in Luzerne County coffee shop that’s been dealing with water issues.

Abide Coffeehouse in downtown Wilkes-Barre is a second home for patrons like Deno Pantelakos.

“It’s a tremendous gathering place, you meet a lot of good people here. The coffee’s good, friendship is good among the people, it’s just a great place to be,” said Pantelakos.

The shop was forced to close over the July Fourth holiday weekend due to an extensive water leak near the cash register.

While it reopened on Monday, co-owner Dan Shission says a situation like this is a worst-case scenario for his small business and others like it.

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“It definitely hurts, and it definitely hurts the momentum that you’re building. We had some events for the weekend that we had to cancel, so it really throws a monkey wrench into the whole system,” says Shission.

This situation is practically deja vu for abide.

Last summer, the shop sustained serious water damage caused by a faulty water heater in an upstairs apartment and had to close for seven weeks.

“We had just been here about seven months as new owners, so it was really hard for us, but the support from the community was totally amazing, and that’s what got us through. People just came out and were there behind us,” explained Shisson.

That support is what keeps Abide afloat.

“We need businesses like this. They cater to you more, they know their customers, and they make it a great experience,” added Pantelakos.

The co-owner tells 28/22 News he hopes this is the last of the water problems.

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