Please vote in our latest poll regarding breakfast choice. The results of the last poll for favorite drinks were 3 Brewed coffee, 1 Cappucino and 1 Latte.

Getting closer

The kitchen (really sinks/coolers/storage room) and restroom have been tiled. I think everyone will be pleased with the wall treatment in the restroom. Kelli and I did a little experiment and it came out great! We've also done quite a bit more painting and trim. I'll post some photos soon.

There's a little more electrical to finish up and I hope to get the new fixtures installed in the restroom tomorrow. We will have our cabinets installed Monday or Tuesday. Then we can have the service area tiled. After that, the fixtures and equipment should start rolling in. The (nearly) last thing to do construction-wise is to paint the floor. We will do that when all the trades are finished and heavy moving is done.

On the business side we are working on a deal to source coffee beans directly from an estate coffee grower in Nicaragua. The beans are picked, processed, roasted and shipped directly to us where we will grind and brew them fresh every day. You cant get any fresher than that!

Walls are built.

All of our walls are completely built, mudded and sanded and ready for priming and painting. I've completed the work by the back door and replaced some loose floor boards. The electricians are going to finish up in the next couple of days. We will be painting during the evenings this week. The kitchen, service area and bathroom will be tiled this weekend. Hopefully we can get the sinks etc. put in next week.

First Inspections passed!

We passed our rough-in inspections for Electrical, Plumbing and Framing Today. Finishing the walls is next. I spent yesterday renovating the back door area. The ADA code only allows for a 1/2" threshold at entrance doors. This build had about a 4" sill to step over. I had to remove the door and frame and old sill/threshold. I put in a new frame level with the floor. We had to have a small deck built on the back of the building and now I need to tie that into the new threshold. But then it will be a straight, smooth transition to the great outdoors!

I also posted a new poll. Please vote! The results of the last poll (with 3 whole votes!) was that Mid-Morning was your choice to visit most often.

Finally, our son Adam is a Freshman at University of Memphis in Computer Science and has been working on a new website for us. Please have a look here http://www.squarebeans.com/index2.php at let us know what you think. - Walt

Menu

We have a tentative menu posted on the website now. We hope to finalize the listing as well as add prices in the next few days. Let us know what you think..

New Visitors Guide

We are in the newly printed 2008 Collierville Visitors Guide! You can pick up a copy at many places in Collierville including the new visitor center at the Square, the Chamber of Commerce, Town Hall etc. or just give our good friend Elizabeth a call:

Elizabeth Allen

Culture, Recreation and Tourism Director

Phone: (800) 853-1949

eallen@colliervillechamber.com

Here's our entry:

http://tourcollierville.com/dine_coffee.html

Progress On Site

We have all of our permits now and construction is underway! Electrical and plumbing is going in and the custom counters are being built. We are remodeling the interior, completely upgrading the restroom and bringing everything up to code and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance. Trying to understand all the building codes, fire codes and health codes can be a real challenge. Even though it takes some time and can be confusing to a new business owner like me, I understand the need for these codes and take the safety and health of my customers and employees very seriously. After all, me and my family and friends will be working and dining in here!

There are some challenges to reworking a 100 year old building, of course. We are adding a couple of walls, painting and replacing light fixtures and we've picked out some nice furniture for relaxing and dining but at the same time we are maintaining the exposed brick walls, wooden floors and huge picture windows up front.

We've given the front of the building a fresh coat of paint and put our logo on both windows. The new ceiling fans are installed and looking great and the track lighting is going up. As soon as the plumbing and electrical rough in is complete and inspected, we can finish the walls and paint and tile the floors.

After that the counters, sinks, equipment and furniture are installed. Then give us a couple of days to finalize our menu and do a couple of run throughs for invited guests and we'll be ready to open!

Check this blog and our website squarebeans.com for updates including a preliminary menu

Introduction

January 1, 2008

Introducing Square Beans Coffee Company, YOUR local Independent coffeehouse! Look for us to open February 2008. As Collierville residents ourselves, we look forward to offering locals and visitors alike a unique coffee experience.

What makes Square Beans Coffee unique?

· Your favorite “Seattle-style” coffee drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, and frappes made with premium coffee from the best coffee growing regions around the world including organic, shade grown and fair trade

· Ground and whole-bean coffee delivered weekly from the roaster

· Fresh, baked breakfast including quiche, assorted breads and muffins

· Daily light lunch specials, gourmet sandwiches and salads

· Homemade cheesecakes, pies and desserts

· Historic Town Square atmosphere with plenty of comfortable seating

· Free Wi-Fi service

Square Beans will also be open for lunch and after school refreshment. Friday and Saturday nights we will be open late offering local entertainment, acoustic music and other community related groups.

Looking for a meeting place for small groups or after hours party space? Local band or music group who enjoys performing in a charming intimate setting? Artist looking for gallery space? Please contact us at info@squarebeans.com.

Sincerely,

Walt and Kelli Geminn and family

Square Beans Coffee Company