Lucy's Coffee & Tea was more than a place to get your morning caffeine fix or grab an afternoon pick-me-up. For close to 25 years, the independent shop offering an array of beverages and food in a uniquely personal and intimate setting was an institution on University Boulevard in Birmingham's medical district. As a tribute to her service to the community, UAB has established a scholarship and installed a bench honoring owner Lucy Bonds and her business.
Bonds' business began with a beverage cart that served UAB employees and students on the corner of University. The coffee shop opened in August 1995 and quickly became a home away from home for the dedicated men and women of Birmingham's medical community. Customers were greeted by name and regulars often ordered on credit, with tallies kept on a giant chalkboard. Lucy's withstood countless challenges over the decades, including a national competitor that opened and swiftly closed next door. But the unprecedented toll of the pandemic proved too great for the business to weather.
Bonds tried to keep the business running with curbside and takeout service and dedicated herself to providing meals to frontline workers. She decided to close temporarily on April 1st. "I hope everyone is staying safe," she wrote on on Lucy's Coffee & Tea Facebook Page. I thought it was in everyone's best interest to close for a bit. Stay low...flatten the curve...It's a new world folks. Let's rise to the task. Love to all."
Six weeks later, it was clear that the end of the pandemic was not in sight. With UAB students taking virtual classes and many university and hospital employees working from home on a long-term basis, Lucy's patrons weren't resuming the routines that brought them into the restaurant. On May 4, 2020, Bonds announced that she had made the difficult decision to close her beloved neighborhood coffee shop.
"The last 6 weeks have been the hardest of my life," she posted on Facebook. "I have cried so much and slept so little. I have made the decision not to reopen Lucy's. I feel such a wide range of emotions...sadness, anger, confusion, fear and loss. I have spent 27 years of my life at the intersection of University and 20th. Owning that little coffee shop has given me the greatest joy and the hardest challenges. I have made life long friends and had the best of times there...art shows, concerts, Inauguration viewing, 20th anniversary party, End of Starbucks celebration. I MET MY HUSBAND THERE. But even in the best of times, making ends meet was often elusive. I know every small business owner knows exactly what I'm saying. For me, the times ahead are too uncertain for me to wrap my head around financially, emotionally and health-wise, as I have a pretty bad case of asthma."
Bonds went on to thank her family and friends, business partners, employees, and patrons. "What will I do?" she questioned. "I'm gonna forge a new path for myself. Maybe I'll come up with a product line. Maybe I'll work with Brian in real estate. Maybe I'll see if I can be of help to a whole bunch of folks. Volunteer. I love this city so much and I am so grateful to be part of this community. Thank you so very much. Please stay safe and healthy. With much love, Lucy."
A post on May 29, 2020 pictured the empty interior of Lucy's Coffee & Tea with a simple caption: "Goodbye sweet shop. Thank you for everything."
In late November, Bonds was invited to a Zoom call where UAB professors informed her that the university was awarding her with an honorary UAB employee 25-year pin and installing a bench with a plaque to honor her. Additionally, UAB established the Lucy Bonds Student Scholarship in tribute to Bonds and her small business.
"To say that I was honored, in a state of blubberment, humbled, without words to express myself...is an understatement," Bonds wrote on Facebook. "My 27 years on that corner brought me so much happiness and so many learning experiences."
The plaque on the bench, dated December 11, 2020, reads, "In recognition of Lucy Bonds, owner of Lucy's Coffee and Tea, for her 27 years of service to UAB students, faculty, staff and the entire Birmingham community."
Bonds posted a picture of the plaque on December 29, 2020 and commented, "This fills my heart. I miss my UAB family and think about the shop every day. My customers...we were friends...we helped and supported each other. There was a lot of love within those four walls. To those who worked so hard to make this beautiful recognition happen, I am eternally grateful. I hope you will consider donating to the scholarship in the link below. Much love, Lucy."
Over a hundred patrons responded to the message with words of appreciation, love and support for the owner and the coffee shop they loved. UAB set up a website honoring Bonds where anyone can contribute to the scholarship fund, learn more about Lucy's Coffee & Tea, share memories and messages of thanks, as well as view Lucy's reaction to the honors.
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