Cyberia Cafe is seen in this photo taken on Wednesday, March 5. The venerable downtown Houghton landmark has closed after more than 23 years in business. (Ben Garbacz/Daily Mining Gazette)

HOUGHTON — On Sunday, Houghton’s Cyberia Cafe announced they were closing after 23 years in business. Cyberia’s owner, Steve Macke, has decided to take a step back from the coffee business and pursue other opportunities with M&M Title, a real estate company based in Houghton.

“Since 2002, Cyberia Cafe has brought the Keweenaw the finest beverages and experience studying or visiting with friends, be it downtown or Cyberia Express.” the business wrote in a Facebook post. “The past 23 years have been [a] wonderful time with all of the great customers and staff members whom I have come to know and appreciate.”

Cyberia first opened in Spring of 2002, because there was “Only one other coffee shop in the area.” Macke said. It quickly became a favorite among Michigan Tech students and community members. Students flocked to the shop to get fuel for study sessions, local residents joined for events like Open Mic Night and live music. The upbeat and welcoming location quickly adopted the motto of “Keep rocking!”

“This is so sad.” said one Cyberia regular about their closing. “By far the best coffee in Houghton, too. This is a major loss for the community. It was always a great spot to get coffee and hang out, or grab a drink and a baked good on the way to or from campus.”

“It was a great place to get some good beans and enjoy the atmosphere,” said another regular.

Some customers were so dedicated, they traveled across the country just to get a cup of Cyberia coffee.

“I live all the way in San Antonio…every year I come home I have to get my Cyberia fix,” one customer commented on Cyberia’s social media.

“Thank you for all the time that you spent at Cyberia, all the suggestions…everybody that was in there was great,” Macke said. When asked about his favorite memories with customers and coffee, Macke said that he ” got to know them, they got to know me,” and that he always made an effort “to remember everyone’s drink.”

He added that Cyberia fans shouldn’t give up hope quite yet, as it’s possible a buyer will step in and re-open the coffee shop.

Macke said it’s “not totally dead in the water yet,” adding customers should keep their “fingers crossed,” as he’s been in talks with a few potential new owners.

Moving forward, Macke will work at M&M Title, helping Keweenaw residents refinance, sell, and purchase homes, adding he still wants to “give you that same great service that you had at Cyberia.”

Locals might worry that Cyberia’s closing is part of a larger issue. One Michigan Tech student said it “makes me sad to think about how other businesses have been disappearing as Houghton grows.” One such business was Chicago Beefs, which left Houghton last summer due to high rent prices, as the Gazette previously reported.