8/10/09 UPDATE: The Coffee Table got it's occupancy certificate today! Join us for a Coffee Tweetup on August 12 from 7:00AM to 8:00AM at 5945 Weddington Road, by the Lowe's food under construction!
The last Indie-owned coffee shop in my neighborhood closed last year. While I make a lot of my own coffee at home, I have missed connecting personally with my friends and business colleagues over a cuppa, a good muffin, a comfy chair and some nice music. That's why I am thrilled that The Coffee Table is slated to open within the next few days! Owners John and Melissa LaTour welcomed me this morning with my video camera. Here's what they told me about what we can expect.
(If you are reading this post via email or an RSS reader and can’t see this video, then click here).
I'm very excited about The Coffee Table, not only because it's close to my home but also because it offers so many things that I can't get at a chain coffee shop.
- Family and Indie Business Friendly. The Coffee Table isn't just about coffee. John and Melissa have two young children and they have created a family friendly atmosphere. John's a professional pastry chef so I'm looking forward to the occasional sweet treat. He's planning to encourage local artisans and crafters to teach classes, and it will be possible to connect laptops to the big screen television so people can teach Web-based classes. (You all know how excited that made me, right?)
- Creative Lifestyle Outreach. John and Melissa are looking forward to hosting “Cyclist Sunday,” where they will welcome local riding clubs (we have tons of them around here) to use The Coffee Table as a starting point for cycling events. (That will be fun for me as I get my fitness groove on!) There's also an area for local bands to play so we'll be able to enjoy coffees and teas as we sample the local talent.
- Sales Of Indie, Artisan and Handmade Goods. One of the things I'm most excited about is that John and Melissa plan to sell handmade soaps and candles at The Coffee Table. As you can see from the video, there is already art on the well — all of it's for sale! I love supporting local businesses when they give me coffee, free Wi-Fi and when they support the Indie Business community.
Fun Photos
Just look at what a lovely place this is. John designed and built the entire inside himself.
Top of the line La Marzocco espresso machines, handmade in Florence, Italy.
The Coffee Table will offer artisan US-made teas.
Free Wi-Fi and 3 big screen televisions.
Lots of delicious foods and beverages will be available.
A warm, intimate place to chat and read the paper.
The Coffee Table is slated to open any day now. All they need is the OK from the mall owner and their doors will fly open immediately. I can vouch for the Almond flavored latte because Melissa made one for me after the video shoot. It was delicious so you'd better come fast when they open. Maybe I'll save you some!!
Question: If you're in south Charlotte, and would like to join me on opening day for a fun meet up to celebrate, leave a comment below. We can set up a time and show our support for John and Melissa and their new adventure!
