Carson Lynch is closing The Gorham Grind May 5 and relocating with a new business, P.S. Coffee, in Biddeford.

GORHAM — Carson Lynch will close The Gorham Grind’s doors for the final time next week after 12 years as an institution in town.

Lynch, who bought the popular coffeehouse at 18 South St. in 2005, is opening a new business, P.S. Coffee, in Biddeford. 

“It’s been bittersweet,” he said by telephone this week about the public’s reaction to his leaving Gorham on May 5. He said folks are saying “tough for us, good for you.”

Sherrie Benner, town councilor and coffeehouse customer, said Tuesday said that the shop offered friendship, warmth and ambiance. “He started the resurgence of downtown,” Benner said. “People came to town because of The Gorham Grind.”

The coffeehouse was frequented by musicians, artists, college students, Gorham schools faculty and business people. Along with drip coffees and espresso, Lynch carried bagels and assorted pastries, breakfast sandwiches and soups. Walls have been decorated with works by local artists.

But Benner said when Aroma Joe’s drive-thru opened in the village last year many people believed it would be the “death knell” for The Gorham Grind.

“Aroma Joe’s has had an impact,” Lynch said, but really, “it’s all about the Rocket Fuel.”

The building Lynch bought at 169 Pool St. in Biddeford has room for him to expand production of  “Rocket Fuel,” the coffee-milk beverage he developed, bottles and markets.

In Biddeford, he’ll have plentiful parking in a neighborhood setting near the University of New England campus. “We feel welcome there,” he said.

His named delivery van that he takes to special events, catering and is used to truck Rocket Fuel will go along with the move. “Flo is good to go,” he said.

 The Gorham Grind space was leased. “It’s Amato’s Building,” Lynch said.

He’s hoping someone might buy the name, The Gorham Grind, and continue on. “I would love it,” he said.

“The Gorham Grind was unique,” Benner said, “not the drive-thru, drink coffee alone in a car coffee shop.

A sampling of quotes on Facebook said, The Gorham Grind “gave me some real peace of mind and a diversion from the maniacal world out there.”

And another, “My heart broke. I’m so happy for Carson but so sad that one of the last reasons for me to go into Gorham is leaving.”

Robert Lowell can be reached at 854-2577 or [email protected].