South Bay Coffee Chain Goes Cashless After Over 20 Break-ins

San Jose, California – Voyager Craft Coffee, a prominent South Bay coffee chain, has announced its transition to a cashless payment system, effective September 15, 2025. The decision comes in response to a persistent spree of burglaries targeting its locations, as reported by KTVU and shared by Henry K. Lee on social media. This move aims to enhance safety for employees and customers by eliminating cash from its premises.

Over the past decade, Voyager Craft Coffee has endured more than 20 break-ins across its half-dozen South Bay locations, with a troubling escalation of three incidents in recent weeks. Thieves typically gain entry by breaking glass and primarily target cash, creating a hazardous environment for staff. The company posted a screenshot of one of the most recent incidents, highlighting the ongoing threat.

Co-owner Sameer Shah emphasized the paramount importance of employee safety in an interview with KTVU. "In order to keep them safe and have no chance of something bad happening while someone is looking for money, we wanted to put an end to this," Shah stated. The company further affirmed its stance, writing, "The safety of our baristas and guests is our top priority, and we can no longer risk putting them in harm’s way."

To facilitate the transition, Voyager Craft Coffee will maintain a grace period, accepting cash payments until the end of September. Following this period, customers will be required to use credit cards or app-based payment methods such as Venmo. This policy shift reflects a proactive measure to mitigate risks associated with cash handling.

The decision, though not made lightly, is also seen as an adaptation to the increasingly digital retail landscape. By going cashless, Voyager Craft Coffee seeks to not only deter future burglaries but also align with modern payment trends, prioritizing the security and well-being of its community.