Advertisement

Food

Downtown Dallas coffee shop Serj is closed temporarily, and maybe permanently

Anyone who has tried to grab a cup of coffee, a lunchtime sandwich or a scoop of ice cream at the cozy shop Serj Books in downtown Dallas has found it locked up, lights off for the past few days. Serj is closed indefinitely and co-owner John Walsh is currently in Dallas County jail.

John Walsh's Dallas County mugshot
John Walsh's Dallas County mugshot

CultureMap was first to report the details, that Walsh was charged with aggravated sexual assault and that local vendors such as Noble Coyote Coffee Roasters and Deep Vellum Books weren't getting paid on time. The Dallas Observer followed up with details of Walsh's several arrests in the past few weeks.

In addition to an aggravated sexual assault charge, Walsh was also arrested for terroristic threat and DWI on other dates, according to Dallas County records.

The shop, co-owned by Anne Holcomb, had a cryptic Facebook post on June 8 that said "it's time for a break; seriously. Do not look for us." The note alluded to a temporary closure, with a possible reopening in September.

Advertisement
Eat Drink D-FW

The latest food and drink reviews, recipes and info on the D-FW food scene.

Or with:

We don't know yet if the shop will reopen. The management company confirmed Serj's lease in the Hartford Building, at 400 N. St. Paul St. in downtown Dallas, has not yet been canceled.

The owners and managers behind Serj have not answered the phone or returned an email.

Advertisement

We included Serj in a list of "can't-miss D-FW coffee shops for any mood" in 2015, noting its great book selection and friendly staff.

Serj Books, at 400 North St. Paul St. in Dallas, is owned by Anne Holcomb (shown) and John...
Serj Books, at 400 North St. Paul St. in Dallas, is owned by Anne Holcomb (shown) and John Walsh.(Christopher Wynn)