FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — The Mug Community Coffee Shop, in Fresno, is reaching out to the community for support as it faces financial challenges.
Co-owner Michael Edgar, who runs the shop with his wife, said they started the cafe in hopes to connect with ministry and the community.
“(We) fell in love with the community,” Edgar said. “And I feel like the community fell in love with my wife and I as well.”
Despite overcoming past hurdles, including the pandemic, the couple is now struggling with rising costs.
“This last year in 2025, I feel like there was just something different as the increase in prices kept going up between, you know, supplies, lease, PG&E, employees, everything,” Edgar said.
Edgar said the daily cost to keep the cafe’s doors open is higher than ever before.
The Edgars have turned to social media to ask for help, expressing the urgency of their situation.
“If you love what ‘The Mug’ stands for, if you’ve ever had a great coffee, a special moment, or simply enjoyed our atmosphere, we need your support now more than ever,” they posted on Instagram.
Edgar emphasized the importance of community support and being transparent about needing help.
“We’re either going to be the next ones (to close) or we can just do something about it now and cry out to the community,” Edgar said.
‘The Mug’ is not just a coffee shop; it also serves breakfast and lunch, with everything made fresh to order.
For more information about their menu, click HERE.