Much has happened since my last entry about Tillie’s Bean, my local coffee shop. Our city council member Gary Schiff has indeed put forth a proposed Coffee Unplugged Ordinance. However, in the intervening days since Tillie’s generated an uproar from musicians, they were forced to close due to a bizarre set of circumstances that involved the state revoking their sales license. The hope is that Tillie’s will refinance their operation through a different bank this week and restore their good standing with the state.

The lesson here is twofold – First, it is hard to run a neighborhood business in the face of multiple seen and unforseen forces. Second, there is greater community value from independent coffee shops versus national franchises.

Maggie Turner, the owner of Tillie’s Bean, knew three years ago when sho opened that there would be bumps in the road, but never foresaw the cumulative effect of two summers of road construction on the street outside her door, a break-in, a robbery, multiple graffiti “taggings,” and a drug overdose in her restroom. But she said she is a fighter, and with luck she has dedicated customers that will return once she is open again. I hope so – it is a fight worth fighting.

Research has shown that for every dollar spent in the local economy, a far greater share stays there when spent at locally-owned businesses versus national chains. Local businesses are more likely to spend locally on goods and supplies, and professional services. They are also more likely to give to local charity. Plus, Tillie’s, like other coffee shops, is a third place, where neighbors can meet, develop trust and form associations. To better understand the meaning and value of a “third place,” just read Ray Oldenburg’s book “The Great Good Place.”

Tillie’s Bean represents a microcosm of what good urbanists like me stand for and shout about everywhere. It is a local business with ties to the community, and provides a good third place to get to know neighbors. It is also in an eminently walkable neighborhood, one block from my house, in the base of a mixed-use condo building, and a block from the 38th Street light rail station – all pluses in my book.

Tillie’s is planning to celebrate their reopening on Saturday the 17th of November. Enough musicians (no more than three at a time!) want to support Tillie’s and play there that they will offer live music all day, in addition to a silent auction and an overall festive spirit. I encourage you to stop by if you are in the area.

Let’s hope we all win this good fight for this great place.