New Organic Fairtrade coffee available now

The winner of our first 'cupping' "Organic Fairtrade Peru Perunor" is now available at Square Beans Coffee.

Perunor is a very reputable exporter of the highest quality coffee from Peru. The coffee farms are located at 1250 and 1800 meters above sea level in the districts of Yamon, Cumba, and Lonya Grande in the Department of the Amazons, and in Santa Rosa's districts in the Department of Cajamaca. The best Peruvian coffees are mellow-bodied with lightly floral acidity and a crisp clean finish.

The whole bean coffee is $12.95 / pound an INCLUDES a free 16oz cup of today's brew. We will be happy to grind to coffee for you too.

In addition, we also have a fresh batch of:

French Roast Blend

Combining buttery South and Central American coffees with bright earthy coffees from the Pacific, roasted to perfection. This is absolutely the smoothest French Roast Blend you will ever sip. It will tickle your taste buds with a fruity taste, followed by a deep, rich robust middle note and ending with a clean finish. It will leave you wanting more. This coffee has a perfect balance with low acidity and less caffeine.

Guatemalan Los Volcanes

Stretching across the highlands of Guatemala near fertile volcanic soil is the SHB (strictly hard-bean) complex fruit. Strictly hard bean means that it develops more slowly and has a more complex flavor. This coffee has a slightly toasty front, with flowers, leading up to a very chocolate middle and a long sweet finish. It has a polished body and lively acidity.

Sumatra Mandheling

This is a treasured Indonesian coffee known for its exceptionally complex flavors of tobacco, liquors and earth. It has a perfect syrupiness with a light body. The coffee is sun-dried on drying patios; this solar method preserves the interior fruit sugars.

Tanzania Ruvuma

This is a bright cup from the largest coffee producing part of the country and is grown in rich volcanic soil. First comes the aroma of orange zest, followed by a malty caramel like flavor that lingers for a long time. Syrup and butter finish this excellent cup. One of Walt's all time favorites!

Memphis Mayoral Debate 2009

Memphis' mayor Willie Herrenton recently resigned his position, requiring a special election for new mayor. WMC TV Action News 5 televised a live debate at Opera Memphis on August 27, 2009 bewteen 9 of the candidates: Charles Carpenter, Carol Chumney, Wanda Halbert, Robert Hodges (Prince Mongo), Jerry (the King) Lawler, Myron Lowery, Sharon Webb, Rev. Kenneth Whalum, Jr. and A C Wharton.

Here is a link to the complete videos:

http://www.wmctv.com/Global/category.asp?C=173922&nav=menu59_1_8

As a public service, I have compiled my own wrap up of the event. All text is taken verbatum (you cant make this stuff up!)

Opera Memphis
Ursula
Joe
I (blink) wasnt (blink) liked (blink)
Entrepenuals
Get nekked
Wendy cracks up
What I want to bring to the Mayor's office is .. time sir
No. Is dat one a doze yes no questions?
Drug test
30 (blink) police (blink) off (blink) i (blink) cers (blink)
Bust a Move Monday
What the hell you need to feed the homeless!
Pro Bass aint comin here!
Free trolleys
Simply been phenominal
Cyberwatch
Tear down the pyramid
589 million homes
Nobody would buy bonds from the City, I wouldnt if they were free
Ms Chumney yes or no?, (blink)(blink)
Issue all the citizens an Uzzi!
Care to explain what happened with the two female visitors in you church? Absolutely Positively NOT!
You mean school funding? Oh yes we need money to educate our children
I'm the only one that makes sense because I know I'm right.
Momma, papa rats and baby rats
Johnathan cracks up
Go to church and say your prayers and stop stealing all this money from the government!
Thank you sir, time sir, thank you.
Elvis island.
Talented workforce.
What would you do to restore hours at city owned golf courses? That's (blink) critical (blink). You don’t just popup while the cameras are there. At least (blink) you (...blink) pop (blink) up.
I cant answer that ridiculous question
There’s (blink) not going (blink) to be a (blink) backroom (blink) deal at (blink) La Chardonnay (blink)(blink).
I hate religion, I hate religion.
Tapioca on the ballot.
These people don’t care about your money.
We need to take all these political turds and put em in a toilet and flush em out!
I’d rather invest my money with Saddam Hussein in the grave!
They view Memphis as a poor southern hick town, suburbia wants Memphis to fail.
Using the N word.
Would you drive home a city owned vehicle? Yes!
I want three of them and six bodyguards.
I ride home in a city owned vehicle, I don’t drive it.
Back to reality.
Ms Webb, name TWO ways you can make Memphis a better city. I can educate our children in excellence and, um, what? I don’t know, ha ha, thank you.
Music, Martin Luther King and Memphians.
What would you do to reduce blight? I could answer that quickly but … Post Employment Issues … Nashville’s sewer rates … My times up?
You’re a crafty guy.
Fred Smith,... Fedex, music.
They need to put comic books in there and video games.
Build a new library at the Penal farm not where you get robbed when you go in that library on poplar.
Cut out positions created for friends and family.
We shut down the archives office.
Exempt cars 2 years old or less? 2 years or Less? In other words newer cars.
No (blink) and I (blink) will (blink) continu.e to (blink) take my (blink) car (blink) through (blink) every (blink) ye…thank you Ms Chumny.
Goodnight.

Fresh Coffee By The Pound

These one pound bags of fresh whole bean coffees have just arrived from our roaster:

Nicaraguan Matagalpa Jinotega
This fabulous coffee comes from high elevations in Jinotego. Grown in lush Orchid shade canopy this coffee hits your palate with a roasted-cashew brittle, thick sweet syrupy body and a big nose of infused fruits.

Mexican Pluma Tres Oros
Tres Oros means three Golds. High Grown coffee stays on the plant for longer and yields a more flavorful cherry. This Mexican coffee is light and smooth, with notes of bittersweet cocoa with light floral highlights. Velvety smooth body and with low acidity.

Guatemalan Los Volcanes
Stretching across the highlands of Guatemala near fertile volcanic soil is the SHB (strictly hard-bean) complex fruit. Strictly hard bean means that it develops more slowly and has a more complex flavor. This coffee has a slightly toasty front, with flowers, leading up to a very chocolate middle and a long sweet finish. It has a polished body and lively acidity.

Costa Rica Monte Cristol
Strictly Hard bean coffee is a harder bean, which carries more flavor characteristics. From the Western valley of Costa Rica this shade grown coffee is grown under lush dense forest trees, and thrives in rich, dark volcanic soil. Very sweet spicy in the nose, subtle fruits and classic typical wine-like tastes accompany this vibrant bold bodied coffee.

Rwanda Bourbon
Grown in the country’s prime coffee growing region with ample rainfall and perfect climate, this is a very fragrant coffee with a slight peppery aroma. It is quite full bodied with a smooth acidity.

Full one pound bags of whole bean coffee (we are happy to grind it for you) are available for $12.95 and, for a limited time, include a FREE cup of todays brewed coffee!

Remember, these beans a just a few days out of the roaster and will go fast. Who knows when that grocery store (and the name brand coffeehouse) coffee was roasted? Most likely months ago.

Fresh Coffee

Just arrived fresh from our roaster:

Columbian Huila Valencia - Huila is the land of the small farmer in the far southeastern tip of Colombian. These are smaller farms producing shade grown coffees, using coffee pulp for composting and a sun drying process. Classic Colombian hallmark taste- mild tangerine nuances, with milk chocolate- buttery finish. Available in Full City or Dark Roast.

Rwanda Bourbon - Grown in the country’s prime coffee growing region with ample rainfall and perfect climate, this is a very fragrant coffee with a slight peppery aroma. It is quite full bodied with a smooth acidity.

Come try our latest single origin premium estate coffees! Only $1.85 for 16 oz of fresh brewed delight.

July 2009 Newsletter Available:

http://www.eliteemail.com/emview.cgi?c=75683&b=TN/830950&u=94478265&ticket=53616c7465645f5f7a0e15c1b8ad242546ef51ae5889f4e546193e5c2241e6d423060934116d73fbf6dbca20977d730f

7 layer cheesecake

I just realized our triple layer cheesecake really has 7 layers! Chocolate cookie, chocolate cheesecake, white chocolate mouse with chocolate chips, chocolate ganache, swirled chocolate chips, whipped cream and dark chocolate drizzle. Chocolate heaven for only 3.95. Can you handle it?

7 layer cheesecake

Just realized our triple layer cheesecake really has 7 layers! Chocolate cookie, chocolate cheesecake, white chocolate mouse with chocolate chips, chocolate ganache, swirled chocolate chips, whipped cream and dark chocolate drizzle. Chocolate heaven for only 3.95. Can you handle it?

Benefit Concert

Friday May 15, 2009:
El Mexico Mission Benefit

This benefit is being held to raise money for Logan Walker's upcoming mission trip to Mexico.

Free Admission, WITH DONATIONS TAKEN AT THE DOOR. 10% OF ALL PROFITS FROM SALES WILL ALSO BE DONATED.

Featuring the acoustic offerings of Easy Company, playing with special guest (on the drums!) Joseph "J-Bear" Barrios. Michael Cooper and friends.

Square Beans Coffee is a really nifty and relaxing place located on the lovely and historic Collierville Town Square, and they serve some of the tastiest treats anywhere! Come out to help benefit a great cause and have some fun!

May Newsletter Available

Click here to view

Square Beans in another Video

Here's a cute video featuring Square Beans. It was produced by Mickey Hutson and his students at Collierville High School as well as Mark Heuberger and the Town of Collierville.

New Slideshow

Quicky Slideshow of Square Beans

Relay 4 Life Acoustic Show - HERE!

Start your spring break off right, and come out to Square Beans [on the Square] for some awesome music, awesome people, awesome coffee, and an even greater cause.

Performing [in no particular order]:

Nonconnah: Face blowing rock-and-roll music with a soft side. And maybe a little bit of country-techno. Check Nonconnah out here to hear some of their stuff.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=52795798394&ref=ts#/pages/NONCONNAH/48592791633?ref=ts

Jacob Bennett

Brandon Kelly

Joseph Barrios

Weston Hall: acoustic/folk
myspace.com/westonhallplaysguitar

There won't be any admission, but we will be taking donations to support Relay for Life, a massive fundraiser for cancer cure research

What's a Square Bean? Part I

Just what is a Square Bean? We'll you have probably guessed (or been told) the play on words (we sell coffee BEANS and we are on the town SQUARE so...) but maybe you haven't thought about what REALLY makes Square Beans Coffee Company so special. In the next few blogs, I hope to enlighten existing customers and inspire new ones to discover or rediscover an experience that we think is pretty special.

What is it that a lcoal coffee shop really has to offer? Sure we exist to sell coffee and support our family but I truely believe that our real business is making people happy. Thats it. Just a little something to perk up your day, stimulate your senses and maybe your mind.

Sometimes, you just want to grab a fresh brewed black coffee or a skinny vanilla latte on the way to work in the morning and thats OK too.

But it's also about that little luxury that blurs the line of needing and wanting. It's about the coffee shop atmosphere.

The smell of fresh baked oatmeal cookies (nothing like it), the warmth of the fireplace (ok its electric but it looks like the real thing and does give of some heat). It's Kelli smile behind the counter as she whips up your own special concoction known only to you and her. It's Fresh chocolate filled belgian croissants, a hearty homemade quiche, Shelby's lemon poppy seed muffins drizzled with vanilla icing or a juicy slice of Sugaree's strawberry cake. It's coffee grinding and milk frothing in the background mixed with sweet jazz music. It's folks plugging in their laptops and enjoying free WIFI with their cappucino.

It's a place to get away from home or the office for a while. It's a place to go alone and read in an a big overstuffed leather chair by the window (in the glow of a leg lamp of course! - It's a major prize you know!) Maybe with a mocha or chai. It's a place to meet friends, coworkers, business associates, family maybe even a date.

It's fun and relaxing and you may actualy meet some one new. Yes. Real live face to face interaction! You just cant have the same experience over email, iPhone or facebook. visiting over a cup of well made coffee beats them all hands down.

So yes, Square Beans does sell great coffee but don't miss the point of what it really means to be a Square Bean.

The Harrell Theatre Presents: To Kill A Mockingbird

From the 1960’s novel by Harper Lee, this drama is a change of direction from our more familiar musical productions for which we have become known and for which we have garnered recent Ostrander Awards.

Set in a time period most people have only read about, this theme will be enlightening to produce. In Maycomb, Alabama in 1935, a young Scout Finch lives with her father, Atticus Finch, an attorney, and her older brother Jem. Things become tumultuous in Maycomb as Tom Robinson, a black man, is accused of raping a white woman, Mayella. Atticus is asked to represent him and accepts, knowing that that decision will likely make him and his family unpopular in town. Meanwhile Scout, Jem and a summer friend, Dill, quickly forge a bond over one of the neighborhood legends –Boo Radley. Jem and Scout have never seen Boo, though they’ve grown up hearing about him and his captivity in a house down the street. The children become obsessed with the idea of making Boo Radley come out.
As the trial moves ahead, the town’s emotions run high, mobs gather and friendships are tried. The trial begins, and it becomes clear that Tom could not have raped Mayella. However, the jury is made up of all white males, and they convict Tom. With the conviction comes more heartache for the town as innocents are sacrificed and children learn about the harsh realities of the world. To Kill a Mockingbird tells the story of one battle against prejudice that will forever change the lives of those in the town.

Opens February 19 and runs through March 1. Thursday-Saturday nights 8p, Saturday matinee on the 21st at 2:30p and Sunday matinees at 2:30p. Student, family and group discounts available! Call the Harrell Theatre 853-3228 at 440 West Powell Rd in Collierville for tickets or go to the website: www.harrelltheatre.com .

Video Testimonials

Our first video testimonials! If you love Square Beans, here's your chance to tell the world! If you would like to help us spread the word with a 10 second video, email me.

Amazingly Detailed Valentines Cookies

Local baker / decorator Barb Rabinowitz has outdone herself. She has created some gorgeous sugar cookies for Valentines day. take a look at the designs and details. And they taste great! Each cookie is about 6" and sells for $3.95 WHILE THEY LAST.
(special orders for any design available)

From Food(sm)

Its a Sign - Part II

The outdoor sign is complete and hung! Follow along:

Here is John Wright Hall of Copper-Hall using a plasma cutter to cut the design that I traced onto the metal:

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

John watches as Brad Arnold takes his turn at the torch:

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

How about a video? Steady hands John!

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

Pretty Sparks:

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

Close up of cutting the design:

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

John and Brad display the finished plate:

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

Now to grind the backside smooth:

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

1" iron is heated and bent to follow the profile of the brick on front of the building

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

Spacemen weld the iron band to the plate:

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

Closeup of the band. That's one hot joint!

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

Smokin!

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

The finished piece:

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

Welding the final piece of iron work on top of the building:

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

The bracket is afixed - (thanks to a couple of brave souls):

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

John adjusts the sign for level:

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

How's it look from down there Brad?

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

Well done guys! I highly recommend Copper-Hall if you need any kind of artistic metalwork:

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

And the final product:

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

Next project????

LOVE IS GOLDEN

Fewer things speak the language of love better than a song, especially when that song is being played to benefit MAGRR! On Valentine's Day, from 2-4, MAGRR Angel, Donna Wolf, will give a live musical performance at Square Beans Coffee Company. Located conveniently on the Collierville square, Square Beans features decadent coffees, sandwiches, and an array of delicious desserts. Bring your sweetheart by for a latte and a slice of strawberry cake, and allow the serene sounds of Donna's violin to romance your afternoon. Donna will donate any proceeds from her performance to MAGRR. It's a Valentine concert that truly comes from the heart!


Love is Golden

Few things speak the language of love better than a song. On Saturday, February 14, bring your Valentine to Square Beans Coffee Company, from 2-4, for a latte and a live musical performance by Donna Wolf.

The cleverly named, Square Beans, is located on Collierville's Town Square and features a wide assortment of decadent coffees and desserts. The cozy ambiance along with the soothing strings of Donna Wolf's violin, make it the perfect place to spend Valentine's Day. Even sweeter than the menu's strawberry cake, is that Donna is donating any concert proceeds to the Memphis Area Golden Retriever Rescue. [MAGRR]

Apart from being a skilled violinist, Donna Wolf completes a loving circle of twenty foster families for MAGRR, a non-profit organization responsible for the rescue of more than 850 Golden Retrievers since their establishment in 2001. Donna hopes her performance at Square Beans will bring in donations to support the veterinary care of these abandoned and abused animals brought in from areas of Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. While the frothy blend of cappuccino and musical romance is certainly a good reason to visit Square Beans on Valentine's Day, Donna's audience can delight in the fact that her performance truly comes from the heart.

If you would like to learn more about Memphis Area Golden Retriever Rescue visit www.magrr.org .

Further information on Square Beans Coffee Company can be found at www.squarebeans.com.

Missy and David - This weekend!

Free live music Saturday January 24th, 2 PM - Missy and David

Missy and David are an acoustic/folk duo who are currently playing shows in West and Middle Tennessee. They share a diverse musical background that includes folk, alternative, southern rock, and country influences. Their show will encompass covers, some recognizable and others obscure, with a few original songs mixed in. They are currently working on their first album together, which they hope to record by August 2009.
Missy, a trained vocalist who studied music in college, sings vocals, and David, who has been playing the guitar and singing since age 8, sings vocals and plays acoustic guitar.

Michael Cooper Postponed

Unfortunately Michael had to postpone his apperance for Saturday Jan 17th. We will reschedule him a soon as possible. Thanks.

January Events

January is shaping up to be an active month at Square Beans. We already have music booked for the next three Saturday afternoons.

Jan 10. Kris Grauel - Piano/Vocals
Jan 17. Michael Cooper - Singer / Songwriter
Jan 24. David Allen and Missy Carignan - Acoustic duet

Follow us on twitter.com for real-time updates:

www.twitter.com/squarebeans