High lease costs and concerns about the potential construction of a rapid transit line to the University of B.C. along West Broadway in Kitsilano have spurred the owners of Yoka's, a popular coffee roaster and retailer, to close shop.

Yoka Van Den Berg will scoop green coffee beans from the burlap sacks that crowd one side of her shop and roast them in her 1930s roaster for the last time at 3171 West Broadway this Saturday. She'll sell the beans into July when she plans to close the 27-year-old shop.

Van Den Berg and her partner Larry Trotter, who's known as Tristan, hope to reopen in Victoria in August.

Their landlord told them in 2008 he wanted to run his own business in the space, according to Van Den Berg, so they decided to move the business to Victoria, where they purchased a building.

"It's just becoming unaffordable staying in Vancouver," Van Den Berg said. "Another added anxiety is the Broadway line coming up."

When their landlord's plans changed and he no longer wanted to use the space, it was too late to stay.

"I'm going to miss all the customers," Van Den Berg said. "I do feel guilty."

To assuage her guilt, she's posted paper where loyal customers are venting their disappointment.

Van Den Berg's favourite: "I may have to issue a court order so you can't move." It's signed by "Judge Pamela."

More than one customer called the loss of Yoka's Coffee--with its wooden touches, stainless steel drum of unpasteurized Okanagan honey from which customers can get their jars refilled, a cork board of arts events and a bench for relaxing and meeting neighbours--a blow to "old Kitsilano."

Val Bjarnason, who's patronized Yoka's since 1994, said she'll miss the couple most.

No matter how busy they are, they always greet their regular customers by name, even asking after their daughter by name, she said.

Bjarnason noted that Van Den Berg and Trotter were particularly caring to the late Big John, a cognitively disabled man who regularly held court at Yoka's.

Bjarnason said she and other customers who are seniors plan to take advantage of free weekday ferry rides for passengers 65 years and older to visit the new Victoria shop. One couple told Van Den Berg Wednesday they'd scouted an inexpensive hotel.

Patricia Peters said her husband is distraught at the loss of Yoka's because he spent years with Trotter perfecting a customized blend.

"He seriously has an order for six pounds before they leave and then he's going to mail order the rest," Peters said.

Beekeepers like Tony Puddicombe swarm to Yoka's for coffee and conversation because Van Den Berg is also a beekeeper.

West Broadway buzzes with more upscale coffee shops and traffic than ever before, and Van Den Berg notes customers are less likely to linger since parking meters were installed outside a few years ago.

Vince Fairleigh of the Hollywood Theatre and other neighbouring business owners couldn't let Van Den Berg and Trotter leave without a party.

The New Bohemian restaurant and lounge, 3162 West Broadway, will host a shindig June 29 at 5 p.m.

crossi@vancourier.com