Well, the Coffee Bean Cafe, at the former site of the Sugar Daddy's is getting very close to opening up. (Osborne corner Florida Avenue.) Since Starbucks will likely open in January 2006, this gives Milton time to build up a good customer base. He originally targeted opening July 15, but the remodeling work has taken longer than planned.
I really like the signage, the best of any of the restaurants that were located there before. The slogan is really good "Casually Comfortable Coffee" The interior is looking good.
One of the cool features is that he plans to have some internet access for his customers, the only place in Seminole Heights and likely Central Tampa to have that.
Internet access? That'll be neat. Wonder if he'll spring for wireless? I'd bring in my laptop and sip mocha latte grandes and surf a while in the 'hood. It'll be just the place to get away from it all and just around the corner. Sure beats the library, gotta wait in line and beat the teens off with a stick to get an hour of access.
ReplyDeleteWhile I'm sure Starbucks will affect their business, I don't think it'll have that much of a negative effect. Some studies have shown that nearby Starbucks can have a positive impact on independent coffee houses. (Generate demand for high-end style coffee but don't deliver on the quality or personal touch that independent's can.)
ReplyDeleteBesides... sitting in an 1800sqft Startbucks near the freeway to sip coffee and surf? Ugh. No way. Too noisey and busy.
I'm dissapointed that they're only going to be selling coffee and ice cream. I was hoping for a new Rigos with a food menu. Alas. Still no relaxing lazy lunch spots in the 'hood.
Actually, food is still on the menu, the last I heard.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of new places opening up, has anyone heard anything about the elusive Italian Restaurant that is supposed to open up on Florida Avenue?
I had heard that Mike Merino's was working to go in the old nature's food store on sligh. Has that changed?
ReplyDeleteCoffee Bean Cafe will have, salads, soups and sandwiches.
ReplyDeleteMilton could use some free advice about setting up wireless internet for the cafe. Drop by or call Now and Again II to speak to him about it.
Yes!
ReplyDeleteI soooo need a place to get coffee closer than Indigo, which isn't even open today :-(
Woohoo! Food! Now all we need is a place with a charming outdoor eating area like the old Knollwood Rigos location had. (yeah, I know... complain complain complain... but the Front Porch has the atmosphere of a parking lot for their outdoor space and Frida's has no shade.)
ReplyDeleteIf anyone from the Front Porch reads this: PLEASE put some dense foliage between your customers and the used car lot across the street and the crummy building next door. You've improved your food but the atmosphere is still "urban blight". $400 or so in well-placed lanscape material would do wonders.
I'll get off my soapbox now. :-)