Blake’s Cafe & Cupcakery, 1840 Town Park Blvd., Green, will close on Friday.

Owners Marcie and Derke Williams opened the shop in 2009 in the former Arabica space just off Massillon Road, in part to give their autistic son Blake a chance to interact with others and improve his socialization skills.

The couple announced the closing on their shop’s Facebook page, saying they were looking forward to spending time together “without the worry that comes with business ownership.”

“Owning Blake’s has given our son opportunities to interact and develop socially that are irreplaceable. Thank you to each and every person who took the time to talk with and encourage him, his personality will forever be molded by your kindness and generosity and we are forever grateful,” the post read.

Lisa Abraham can be reached at 330-996-3737 or at labraham@thebeaconjournal.com. Find me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter @akronfoodie or visit my blog at www.ohio.com/blogs/lisa.