BREAKING NEWS: Theo’s Java Club will be closing after 27 years on Oct. 2, unless a buyer steps forward to keep the shop going, owner Theo Grevas said today.

The quirky and unique spot for coffee, sandwiches, tea and more has been a haven for a wide variety of folks from creatives to tourists at 213 17th St., Rock Island since 1994, but, Theo says, it’s time for him to retire and put aside the last cups in early October.

“I’ve got a vacation planned on Oct. 7, so that’s kind of the end date for me,” Theo said. “I looked at the calendar, and saw Oct. 2 was on a Saturday and I thought, that seemed like a good time, a good day, to say goodbye.

Theo said there are “about 6-8” potential owners who have talked to him about buying the shop, but nothing concrete has emerged.

“If we sell it before Oct. 2, I’ll consider sticking around to help the new owners with the transition, but I won’t be around beyond Oct. 6, that’s kind of the cut off date,” he said.

“I’ve got plans, my wife has got plans, it’s been a great run here, but it’s time to move on to the next stage in our lives. I’m very happy and grateful for everyone over the last 27 years that’s made this so special, but I’m also content with my decision that it’s time to move on.”

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Sean Leary Director of Digital Media

Sean Leary is an author, director, artist, musician, producer and entrepreneur who has been writing professionally since debuting at age 11 in the pages of the Comics Buyers Guide. An honors graduate of the University of Southern California masters program, he has written over 50 books including the best-sellers The Arimathean, Every Number is Lucky to Someone and We Are All Characters.