Jax Daily Record Article on "Three Layers"

[77danj7]

04/29/2009

by David Chapman

Staff Writer

If Shawn McGuire and Jeff Wright had listened to the naysayers, Three Layers A Coffee House might not have become the Springfield destination â€" and success story â€" that it’s been for more than a year now.

The two owners moved to Jacksonville from Atlanta and were looking for a place to live and open McGuire’s urban neighborhood real estate company, Dwellings, and wanted to be located in an urban environment. When they researched historic city areas via the Internet, Springfield was the first one that popped up in the search engine. But the advice from the pair’s then-realtor was less than complimentary.

“ ‘You don’t want to be there,’ ” said McGuire, of the advice.

Undeterred and with the help of a new real estate agent, McGuire and Wright stepped into the 1602 Walnut St. building and Wright had a revelation regarding one of his passions: it was where he was supposed to open his baked goods and coffee house.

“I didn’t want to open a coffee house,” admitted McGuire, referring to the time before they found building, “but then we came in here and Jeff had a vision.”

So they began Wright’s dream and opened Three Layers, serving Wright’s original recipe baked goods, hot and cold coffee drinks, smoothies and later salads, soups and make-it-yourself sandwiches.

More than a year later, Three Layers has been a financial and social success, drawing steady regulars from across the city, including a large group in the historic community within walking distance.

“Once they come here they’re hooked,” said McGuire, smiling.

Many customers can attest to the statement, as many come back for the experience â€" and the baked goods.

“The cakes are the best in town,” said Tory Aunspach, who moved from the neighborhood but continues to frequent the shop.

With success came expansion â€" something McGuire said they wanted to do from day one â€" and eventually they were able to move forward with the ambition after a local bought the building outright from the bank and assisted the owners.

A wine bar (The Cellar at Three Layers) along with a landscaped patio area and special events room near the back, have all been underway and McGuire expects a completion date within the next couple of weeks and will make the business close to 5,000 square feet.

The total investment in the business between the two, following completion of the expansion, McGuire estimates to be around $500,000 and credits the ability to continue pursuing other ventures to the product.

“You’ve got to create an experience,” said McGuire, when asked if he had advice for other potential business owners looking at Springfield as an opportunity. “It’s a great community, but you’ve got to have something unique enough that people want to come back.”

If things go according to plan there will be more McGuire and Wright led ventures in the area, as McGuire said they hope to establish a restaurant in Springfield in the future.

“I’m really having fun,” said McGuire, on the business experience.


dchapman@baileypub.com

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=52276

[vicupstate]

It's great to read of this success.  The story is SO typical though.  It takes an OUTSIDER to see the potential, and then the LOCALS, totally oblivious to the potential, try to discourage them.       

[fsujax]

That is very true Vic....i have several neighbors in Springfield who moved here from out of state they love the area and see it for what it will be someday, talk to locals and all they do is bad mouth the area and Jax in general. I really don't get it sometimes.

[samiam]

I seems most of the new residents are from out of town and love it here, there are people from Baltimore, New York, Memphis, Atlanta, and California just to name a few. There is this misconception from Jacksonville natives that this is a bad part of town. I have talked to quite a few people that use to live in springfield back in the 50's 60's and 70's and the most common comment I hear is " I just live down the road but I was scared to visit the old house, Wow they sure fixed up the place.   

[Deuce]

I'll support any business that three layers opens!