Drama is brewing at the Ferry Building, and it’s not just in the coffee cups. Red Bay Coffee is set to replace Grande Creperie, sparking a tasty turf war that’s got local foodies talking.

The Ascaso family, owners of Grande Creperie and Le Marais Bakery, claim they were blindsided by a lease non-renewal after being assured they were a “longstanding tenant”. With $1.3 million in sales last year, they’re feeling pretty salty about being shown the door.

A Tale of Two Businesses

Enter Keba Konte and Red Bay Coffee, ready to transform the space with evening coffee cocktails and a vibe that promises to be electric. Despite recently emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Konte seems undeterred, promising an energy that’ll make the 40% smaller space feel twice as big.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just about one bakery losing its spot. It’s a microcosm of the brutal small business landscape in the Bay Area, where even successful establishments can find themselves suddenly displaced. The Ferry Building’s management claims they’re aiming to make the marketplace “more accessible in the evenings,” but the Ascasos aren’t buying it.

Lessons Learned

The takeaway? Always get your lease agreements in writing. Patrick Ascaso’s parting wisdom rings true: sometimes, even when you’re doing everything right, the business world can still kick you to the curb.