OCF Coffee House, a beloved Philadelphia coffee chain, has shut down all its outlets after 13 years in business. The abrupt closure came just a week after the staff announced their intention to unionize. Owner Ori Feibush, who also owns OCF Realty, cited ongoing financial losses, rising costs, and the legal burdens associated with the unionization effort as key factors behind the sudden decision. Despite having planned for a more gradual closure, circumstances forced an immediate shutdown. The unionization push by the majority of the 45 staffers aimed to affiliate with The Philadelphia Joint Board Workers United Local 80, but Feibush indicated that the union effort was the final straw rather than the sole reason for the closure. The closures have sparked controversy, with the union alleging retaliation and demanding severance pay for the affected employees. The pandemic's impact on revenue, coupled with lease expirations and customer feedback issues, further complicated the situation. Feibush expressed regret over the rapid closure and the loss of jobs, stating that the entire scenario was unfortunate.
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