Just two years after its controversial installation near the Jean-Talon Market, the Starbucks on the corner of Jean-Talon Street and Casgrain Avenue has shut its doors for good.

Nearly 9,000 people signed a petition to block the franchise from opening at that location, saying the coffee chain was a threat to the landscape of Little Italy and its independent coffee shops.

Activists campaigned against its introduction to the neighbourhood and the café was even vandalized on its opening day in August 2015.

Nicolas Fabien-Ouellet, with the community organization Friends of Jean-Talon Market, told CBC that no one from his group is shedding tears over the loss of the chain.

Even though the privately owned building is not technically part of the market complex, he says people still associate it with the area.

Spray paint blocked out the name of the popular coffee chain after it was vandalized in 2015. (CBC)

"When we did our consultation with the people in this area, and people that come to the market, they told us they want a unique experience when they come to Jean-Talon Market," he said.

"So the type of business that comes into this area should bolster that experience."

What should take its place?

Even after its Nov. 1 closure, many locals told CBC that the shop was too close to the Jean-Talon Market and that it should be replaced by an independent merchant.

"I wouldn't personally go to Starbucks because I like to patronize the local cafés, much more than a chain, but I am just surprised that it's closed," said one area resident, Matt Zimble.

Eileen Chen said she was torn on the issue.

"The [market] has a local feel to it and here's this international brand coming in," said Chen. "I feel like it was separate enough from the market. The market still kept its essence while this whole thing was going on."

Currently the building across the Jean-Talon Market is vacant. (CBC) Fabien-Ouellet says international chains don't match up with the market's mandate and that the borough should prioritize establishing a local business in the empty space.

"They could play with some rules to restrict what business comes."

Still, he says the group doesn't want to see the location remain empty and that they are hopeful the space will soon be taken over by a more suitable tenant.