A family-run coffee shop has changed hands after six years of trade, with an already local business taking over the reins.
Brown Bears Coffee House in Cwmbran, first opened in 2019, and has been a family-run business ever since.
A heartfelt statement shared on social media on November 17 by former owners Adam and Donna Bear said: "Today marks the end of an era for Brown Bears Coffee House.
"This isn’t just a business changing hands, it’s the closing of a chapter that changed our lives forever.
"As we pass the torch to Chris, a local family man and business owner, we do so with full hearts and a huge amount of pride.
"We know he’ll take good care of the place we’ve loved so deeply.
"Thank you — truly — for every smile, every conversation, every memory, and every moment.
"From our family to yours, thank you for being part of the Brown Bears story."
The couple also extended gratitude to their staff, suppliers, and the wider community, crediting everyone who played a role in building the business.
Special thanks were given to store manager Jake and their daughter Bayleigh, both of whom will stay on under the new ownership.
The new owner, Chris, already runs Coffee Corner in Friars Walk, Newport, and plans to bring elements of that business to Cwmbran while maintaining the familiar feel of Brown Bears.
The new team said in a separate post on November 21: "We want to reassure you that you will still see the same smiley staff and the same great tasting food and drink that you’ve become used to!"
"Of course, we will be adding some new products to the menus – including our most popular items from our existing coffee shop, Coffee Corner in Friars Walk, Newport."
The transition will also introduce Coffee Corner’s loyalty card scheme, offering 50p off every handmade drink in both the Newport and Cwmbran locations.
Brown Bears customers will be able to swap their existing loyalty cards for a free coffee and a new Coffee Corner card.
The new owners added: "We are looking forward to starting this new adventure, and we hope you will join us for the ride."
Chris’ existing business, Coffee Corner, is known for its freshly baked cakes, muffins, and a wide range of hot and cold beverages, many of which will now appear at the Cwmbran site.
He took to social media to announce Coffee Corner’s expansion.
He said: "We have some big news… Coffee Corner has a second home.
"Brown Bears Coffee House in Cwmbran is now officially part of the Coffee Corner family.
"We look forward to welcoming all of our customers, old and new.
"When you’re in Cwmbran, pop in and say hello.
"You can use your Coffee Corner loyalty card in both shops for 50p off all handmade drinks.
"We are really excited to start this new adventure and we hope you will join us for the ride."
The handover marks both the close of a family chapter and the beginning of a fresh journey for the well-loved coffee shop.
