WESTFIELD, NJ — After persevering through financial struggles during the pandemic, the beloved frozen yogurt store, Bohemian Raspberry, is saying goodbye after serving the Westfield community for nearly 10 years.

For seven months during the pandemic, the shop closed for safety reasons, and then reopened for curbside pick-up only. They transitioned back to allowing self-serve earlier this year, but owner Barry Goldenberg posted on Facebook Wednesday that his landlord has alternate plans for the building that no longer include Bohemian Raspberry.

"It is with great disappointment that I announce, after nearly ten years, we will close our doors by August 1st," Goldenberg wrote. "We persevered through a pandemic but have no recourse for someone else's actions."

Read more: BoRaz Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt To Make Comeback In Westfield

Goldenberg reminded customers that the fro-yo store, commonly referred to as BoRaz, first opened days before Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc in New Jersey, leaving the community decimated. BoRaz became a "charging station" and shelter for many residents during Sandy, as it was one of the only places in Westfield with power.

"Boraz became a 'charging station' in more ways than we could have ever imagined," Goldenberg wrote. "Friendships that were forged that week have endured to this day."

Goldenberg added that he is grateful to loyal customers who continued to visit the shop through COVID restrictions and curbside pick-up during some of the coldest days of the year.

"It has been reaffirming to see customers back in the shop these past months, making their own bowls again," the owner wrote. "Life was getting back to 'normal.'"

Goldenberg told Patch back in January that he originally thought opening up a frozen yogurt shop was a "dumb idea" because there were four or five other similar shops in the area. He said he also felt slightly like a traitor by opening up shop in Westfield, since he grew up in Cranford and was the quarterback of the football team.

But the fro-yo shop quickly became a hit in the community. Over the years, Goldenberg said he has watched many kids grow up from behind the counter and even hired many of them for their first jobs.

"I would like to sincerely thank all the families, the fine arts departments at the schools, the houses of worship, Girl Scouts of Westfield, and anyone who hung around BoRaz, and lent an ear, or gave an ear," Goldenberg wrote. "I will always be grateful for your support."

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