This was probably not a good idea to begin with. They were likely duped by the covid era of getting coffee via an outside window.
I think they were also blind-sided by the slew of cafes nearby, especially 7 Brews right next door. Panera is just down from them and Starbucks directly across the street.
Their raison d'etre is community. People see H-B as a place to sit down, flip up your laptop, or meet someone or a small group for a coffee, or to study together. Scooters, 7 Brew and others have no interest in that role for now.