If you lived near 19th and Milwaukee in Lubbock, you knew Curby’s Express Market. For many of us, it wasn’t just a quick stop; it was a familiar, friendly corner of our routine. But that corner has officially gone quiet as of July 22, 2025. The store is closing, with it goes a small but heartfelt chapter in local life.
The One-Stop Shop Locals Loved
When Curby’s opened its Lubbock location in January 2022, it brought something different. According to Lonestar 99.5 FM, it was “the definition of a one-stop shop,” known for its brewed teas, fresh pizza, salads, energy drinks, and made-to-order food, all served with speed and a smile.
A Place With Personality
This wasn’t some sterile, corporate convenience store. Curby’s had soul. Its brightly lit interior, hand-crafted empanadas, and Texas-roasted Sugar Browns Coffee made it more than a pit stop. It was where the staff remembered your drink and your name, and where grabbing a snack felt like bumping into a neighbor.
Where Small Moments Mattered
The charm of Curby’s was in the little things: walking in on a freezing morning and being greeted with warmth, grabbing a late-night slice on your way home from a football game, or waiting just long enough at the drive-thru to chat about the weather. For many in Lubbock, it was comfort food and connection, all under one roof.
The Closing Came Without Warning
When news of the closure broke, it came as a shock. According to Everything Lubbock, the decision was announced quietly, and by the time many residents heard the news, the doors were already boarded up. One Facebook commenter said, “We stopped there yesterday and there was nothing about them closing.” The suddenness only deepened the sting.
Why It’s Closing Now
In a statement reported by Kiss FM, Curby’s leadership said the closure was part of a shift in focus. The company is moving toward “fuel, beverage, and food-centric locations,” meaning Lubbock’s standalone store no longer fits the model. It’s not a failure, it’s a business pivot. But that doesn’t make it any easier for those who loved it.
A Bigger Trend at Play
Curby’s closure isn’t happening in a vacuum. As Kiss FM and local business watchers have noted, several smaller-format businesses in the Lubbock area have faced growing challenges, rising rents, staffing shortages, and shifting consumer habits. Curby’s decision may be strategic, but it also reflects broader pressures.
Memories From the Counter
Plenty of locals still remember their favorite order or go-to treat. When it first launched, one regular raved to Lonestar 99.5 about Curby’s carnivore pizza. Another praised the energy drinks for getting them through finals week. And many valued the team’s kindness behind the counter, people who treated customers like family.
A Community Feels the Loss
It’s easy to discuss convenience, but Curby offered consistency and care. When a place becomes part of your everyday, where you always get the same friendly nod or a quick chat, it leaves a gap when it’s gone. That’s what makes this more than just a retail shutdown. It’s a neighborhood shift.
What Happens to the Space?
The building sits boarded up right now, with no word on what’s next. Curby’s official Facebook page reported that the company is redirecting its resources elsewhere. There’s no indication that another store or restaurant has claimed the spot, adding to the sense of uncertainty and loss in the area.
Saying Goodbye the Lubbock Way
In true Lubbock fashion, folks have taken to social media to say goodbye, sharing stories, gratitude, and the occasional craving for a Curby’s unique drinks. The heartfelt responses show how deeply embedded the store was in the local rhythm. It may not have been around for decades, but it made a lasting impression.
Thank You, Curby’s
So here’s to the Curby’s team at 19th and Milwaukee. Thank you for the coffee, the food, and the familiar smiles. Thank you for being part of our lives … even if only for a while. You may be gone from the map, but not from our memories. You were more than a store. You were, truly, one of us.