Evansville Coffee Shop That Closed Doors Now Asks for Donations

It has been a couple of weeks now since we first learned that the Rudibaughs planned to closed their beloved family business on West Franklin Street but what is next for them?

White Swan Said Goodbye

The couple shared a video back in late January on the White Swan Coffee Lab Facebook page (which you can find below) announcing their plans to close the coffee shop and breaking the news to their followers, patrons, and fellow coffee lovers.

The Public Came Out in Support

In the days that followed the announcement, the public showed up in full for the Runibaugh family to help make White Swan Coffee Lab's final days as successful, and lucrative as possible.

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It Was A Tough, Emotional Decision

In the heartfelt video message shared January 25, 2022, White Swan Coffee Lab owners, Kendra and David Rudibaugh say they have found themselves in a "new place of transition."

The couple shared that they have made the tough decision to close their business after over four years at their current location, 2025 West Franklin Street, citing the rising cost of business operations as the cause. The Rudibaughs first starting brewing coffee in Wired on Fourth Street downtown.

"It's amazing what a cup of coffee can do,"

In the video, the couple reminisces about their journey through their time on Franklin Street. At one point, David says, "It's amazing what a cup of coffee can do," as they recount memories with their children, friendships made, and the outpouring of support from the community over the years. David goes on to say,

We’re exceedingly grateful. The gift that we’ve been given here of just getting to fulfill the mission we set out for at the beginning which was a leap of faith and effort to love people through a cup of coffee everyday has been glorious. It’s been transformational and we’re eternally grateful.

White Swan Coffee Lab's final day on Franklin Street was Saturday, February 5, 2022, but David said in the video, that while this may be the end of the coffee shop's time on Franklin Street, it "isn't the end for White Swan Coffee."

What's Next for White Swan & The Rudibaughs?

Now that the coffee shop has closed its doors, what is next if this isn't the end? We aren't entirely sure just yet but we can tell you that the Rudibaughs are asking for the help of the public to cover some of the remaining business expenses and help seed something new.

Crowdfunding The Next Chapter

In a statement on a GoFundMe that has been set up, David says,

We have some expenses and business debts we need help with to move forward and be able to do the work to bringing about our newest endeavors.

The love many in the community showed us in our final days on Franklin Street was overwhelming and beautiful. We’re humbled and grateful beyond words.

We’re entreating everyone that is able to support us as we try to move forward with new ideas for White Swan and our family.

How You Can Help Them Reach Their $100,000 Goal

There is no word what the new idea is or how White Swan may once again rise to serve us a steaming, fresh hug in a mug, but if you are able to donate to help them reach their $100,000 financial fundraising goal, you can donate here.

Watch the Original Goodbye Video

Watch the full video originally shared on January 25, 2022, from David and Kendra below.