We've been there pretty often lately and it's great to see so many people peeking in the windows. :) I know it doesn't look like it's moving quickly, but most of the construction can't be seen from the outside. Nearly all the plumbing is done, except for setting some fixtures. We've had a crew of family and friends helping with priming and painting. Thanks Greg, O, Amy, Missy, Mary, and my mom and dad!! We've also been laying floors in the bathrooms and kitchen.

The next big step is the millwork. We ordered a bamboo that took longer than we hoped, but has arrived and the cabinet maker said is looking great. Once the cabinets are done, everything else can be finished. And we're waiting for that to finish the floors in the seating area, and then we'll bring in all of the furniture. 

So, construction has slowed down a little until those cabinets get in, but we're still moving forward! 

h

We are hiring! We put a sign in the window last week and it's already led one great person (Rae) being hired. We still need a few experienced baristas, some shift supervisors, and a few more people with great attitudes and interest in learning. If you have experience or not, if you're interested in knowing more about fair-trade coffee, fine teas, organic and natural foods, and you're looking for 15 - 40 hours / week of work, please contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Barista training is going to be provided by some experts from our roaster, Metropolis. The rest of the training will begin as soon as we get all of the cabinets built and equipment in place. If you have any questions, please email me.

Our new espresso machine was custom made for us in Holland. It is currently sitting in a warehouse somewhere in a nearby suburb, waiting patiently to be installed on the coffee counter in the cafe. We managed to sneak one of our operatives in to take some pictures of it with a cell phone camera. Here they are:

We all know that those "Coming Soon" signs are getting old and yellow and that we signed the letter of intent last spring. HOWEVER! Last saturday, we FINALLY signed the lease. Thursday, we met with the general contractor arrange for starting construction. Tuesday, March 6th, construction begins!

 Oooh.... that felt good to type, so I'll type it again.  Tuesday, March 6th, construction begins!!

So, when are we opening? Soon. Much sooner than the last time we said "soon." We'll see how construction goes before we set an opening date.

 In the meantime, we're shopping for furniture and equipment and my garage is filling up fast. If you see me hanging around the construction site, please stop by and say hello. I'm the bald one.

-john h