Metro Jacksonville

Inside Riverside's Bold Bean Coffee Roasters

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1606342480_PCP4H3N-M.jpg)

What started as something to keep Jay Burnett busy after his retirement has turned out to be Riverside's latest attraction.  Zack Burnett, Bold Bean's roastmaster, gives Metro Jacksonville a behind the scenes tour.


Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2011-nov-inside-riversides-bold-bean-coffee-roasters

Jacksonville gets a big city coffee house.  They are smart to serve beer, too.  I'd say the little merchants at Stockton St are the heaviest in the city as far as I can tell.  13 Gypsies' chef and Bakery Moderne also get it.  Stepping up.  If I were in Jax I know where I would take visitors for sure.

Best business idea to come to Riverside (and Jax as a whole) in a loooong time IMO & something I've noticed this town has been sorely lacking in compared to others. Roasting, preparing & giving people a cool environment to enjoy their coffee in, all under the same roof, is something truly special that no place in the city has ever provided. Plus, they take it a step further & will make each cup per order using (what's becoming the standard in high quality shops) the pour-over method, the french press & I saw they even have a couple giant glass siphons behind the bar. It all reeks of quality.

I've seen so many half-assed coffee shops open in town (then usually close months later), but this one's a keeper. Starbucks who? Three Layers what?? ;)

Now if Intuition or Bold City will go in on a Bold Bean Coffee Stout, they'll be set and have a great beer product tie in!

As I don't drink coffee, most of this went straight over my head. However, my wife believes this is fantastic, and I'm inclined to take her word for it. Having beer on tap is their ticket to two regular customers in my household.

The interior looks gorgeous.  It is one thing I miss from the north is a good coffee shop that roasts their own coffee.  I look forward to the opening. 

They did get their money's worth with that interior, didn't they?  It's even more impressive up close.

Bold City Brewery has done some casks using Bold Bean coffee beans.  I am sure either or both of the two breweries will make a full production Coffee Stout soon. 

Will they have any sort of food, or just coffee??  It would be nice if they had some pre-made items from Bakery Moderne.  I am sure all types of partnerships will spring up between the venues in that area.  I am not a coffee drinker, but I'm always looking for new places to enjoy a pint of beer.  I look forward to checking the place out in person.

This looks like a high quality product that will be offered in a very attractive setting; a wonderful addition to any neighbourhood.

Quote from: RiversideLoki on November 29, 2011, 08:45:36 AM
Now if Intuition or Bold City will go in on a Bold Bean Coffee Stout, they'll be set and have a great beer product tie in!

I think I love you.   ;D

The next step is for all of us to support this venture.  Anyone who is contributing to our historic neighborhoods deserves our business! 

Quote from: RiversideLoki on November 29, 2011, 08:45:36 AM
Now if Intuition or Bold City will go in on a Bold Bean Coffee Stout, they'll be set and have a great beer product tie in!

Quote from: Captain Zissou on November 29, 2011, 10:11:25 AM
Bold City Brewery has done some casks using Bold Bean coffee beans.  I am sure either or both of the two breweries will make a full production Coffee Stout soon.

Yum, that sounds delicious.  Can't wait.

^Now that is some coffee I could really get into.

Gorgeous space!   I love it!

When does this open?

Anyone know how Gorrie is doing?

Gorrie is looking STUNNING .

Sounds good!
Anyone know the % leased yet?

One of my favorite places is Portland Oregon and my favorite coffee place there is Stumptown Roasters. Bold Bean
reminds me of Stumptown, I hope (and imagine) it will be just as good. Cold beer (in a cold glass) is always welcome. Riverside-Avondale has just "blown up" in this economic 'slowdown'. I love bucking the trend like that. Soon we'll have Chew and Pele's Fire and who nows what else will move into the neighborhood.

Good move for the neighborhood.  Should be a success based on reputation, location, and appearance.  Good luck!

Quote from: ben says on November 29, 2011, 04:43:48 PM
Sounds good!
Anyone know the % leased yet?

5 have been sold and occupied so far. A couple more are close to being sold.

Had my first cup this am.... i look forward to many many more. I cant remember a better cup. Tentative opening this Friday.
My personal black Friday. Cant wait.

Quote5 have been sold and occupied so far. A couple more are close to being sold.

Those 2 contracts fell through, according to Prudential Network Realty, the onsite agency. So there are 5 magical units sold and a lot still remaining.

Bold Bean is a coffee house right? Is their coffee sprinkled with magic pixie dust to make it better than other coffee houses?

Bold Bean looks great. Maybe I'm being overzealous but it reminds me of a few of the coffee places I went to in LA.

Quote from: mtraininjax on December 01, 2011, 09:11:25 AM
Bold Bean is a coffee house right? Is their coffee sprinkled with magic pixie dust to make it better than other coffee houses?

If you can't immediately see the difference between this, and say, the tons of other "me too" cafes (and I use that term lightly) that have come & gone to the area, then I don't know what to tell you.

Have you ever had a real cup of coffee? And I mean a real cup that was handmade, not something from a machine that someone threw some stale grounds into?? Granted some people probably don't care & will drink whatever truck-stop blend you sit in front of them, but a lot do.

Think of this like you would Bold City or Intuition, but for coffee instead. Pretty much the same concept.

^I can honestly say I've never had a cup of coffee like you describe, and wouldn't take one ever unless it was "flavored" with at least a shot of Jameson's. But the difference between this place and the type of coffee shops you normally see is abundantly clear even to me. Not everything interesting and worthwhile has to appeal to absolutely everyone.

And come on, even if you don't care about the coffee you can still have a beer, as I plan to do whenever my wife wants to hit this place up, which I expect to be a fairly regular occurrence.

I don't care if this place sucks, to be quite frank. The interior is gorgeous, it's a benefit to the neighborhood, and I'll do whatever it takes to keep them thriving. This is exactly what this neighborhood (and city) needs.

We need more cool fun places to hang out, agreed. I cannot wait for Pele's Pizza to open up and see the inside of the old pharmacy space.

On another subject, the Mellow Mushroom in Tinseltown is re-opening Saturday with a huge party in the parking lot. They have 18 big screens and 40+ beers on draft, all newly remodeled.

Quote from: Tacachale on December 01, 2011, 10:04:16 AM
^I can honestly say I've never had a cup of coffee like you describe, and wouldn't take one ever unless it was "flavored" with at least a shot of Jameson's. But the difference between this place and the type of coffee shops you normally see is abundantly clear even to me. Not everything interesting and worthwhile has to appeal to absolutely everyone.

And come on, even if you don't care about the coffee you can still have a beer, as I plan to do whenever my wife wants to hit this place up, which I expect to be a fairly regular occurrence.

Oh, I know. I was just meaning their specialty is coffee & roasting. I'm not sure who their beer is from (Im guessing one of the local breweries?), but its just sort of secondary to their business model.

But you're right. Even if you care nothing about coffee, this is still a great place to have a beer & just hang out. But the coffee for me sets it apart, because like I said earlier, no place in town has ever done this before.

^Word up. Even as someone who doesn't drink coffee, it seems pretty obvious that this place is a whole different kettle of fish compared to your typical coffee shop. It's a great addition.

Quote from: mtraininjax on December 01, 2011, 10:13:57 AM
We need more cool fun places to hang out, agreed. I cannot wait for Pele's Pizza to open up and see the inside of the old pharmacy space.

On another subject, the Mellow Mushroom in Tinseltown is re-opening Saturday with a huge party in the parking lot. They have 18 big screens and 40+ beers on draft, all newly remodeled.

Anyone know when Pele's is actually opening up? Can't wait, either. I read somewhere (on this forum) that their rent is 8k/month. Is this normal? How the hell will they pull that off? Also, anyone knows if they're doing true Italian style breakfast/espresso?

Re: Mellow Mushroom...I can't make myself drive from Riverside to Tinseltown for much of anything :(

Quote from: mtraininjax on December 01, 2011, 10:13:57 AM
We need more cool fun places to hang out, agreed. I cannot wait for Pele's Pizza to open up and see the inside of the old pharmacy space.

On another subject, the Mellow Mushroom in Tinseltown is re-opening Saturday with a huge party in the parking lot. They have 18 big screens and 40+ beers on draft, all newly remodeled.

Mellow Mushroom is awesome.  Love that place.    Although, the one at the beaches has this cool old School Bus Shell that you can sit inside and dine.

When I lived in Orlando, there was a restaurant named Cafe Tu Tu Tango http://www.cafetututango.com/index.html

In this restaurant, artists sit inside doing artwork as customers eat and their work is also displayed.

I was hoping that CORK would be something like this, if they get a cafe going.

It would be interesting if some of the local businesses, such as Bold Bean, would get involved in something of this nature.

I think of 5 Points as an Artist District. Love to see more and more of it integrated into the local businesses.

On a side note...I don't drink coffee or beer, but if there were artists there...I'd stop by and buy a water or something. :)

Thanks so much for all of the comments on the look of Bold Bean.  We enjoyed the challenge of matching the quality of the preparation and of their coffee with a design for the space.

The shop opened this afternoon, and will close at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays - so it's not too late to check out the space for yourselves tonight, or it will be open at 7am in the morning if you're more the early to rise type.

Look forward to hearing your thoughts....

An image from the first morning...

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/383578_302642223089463_121489567871397_1009801_1415626068_n.jpg)

And every time they open their door, some of that wonderful coffee aroma floats into the neighborhood.  I had the dogs with me this morning and just stood outside the door sniffing along with them.  Wonderful!

None of the photos does justice to the inside.

Yeah, its great. Nice mellow atmosphere, cool baristas that actually know what they're doing & an awesome cup of coffee.

(http://i.imgur.com/rHfXT.jpg)

I only hope that the area knows what it's got here & doesn't shy away from it because they're used to the "fast food style" coffee that is so prevalent here. Meaning the coffee is handmade & doesn't just pour out of a spigot like many are probably used to, so its going to take a minute or two to get your cup. And its not as cheap as some places either.

But you're paying for quality here & its safe to say it's the best cup you're going to get in the entire city.

It is really beautiful on the inside. Cannot wait to stop.  :)

Gonna stop by for some Kona, (or what they just roasted) :)

This block desperately needs a real permanent urban bike rack.

The process of Colombian coffee:

Harvested coffee beans
Gathering of coffee cherries:
During this stage, only totally ripe cherries, normally red or yellow, are picked. Green cherries spoil the taste of a cup of coffee. This process is performed entirely by hand.
Pulping:
The same day the berries are gathered, they are subjected to a pulping process, whereby the berry is removed from the bean.
Fermentation:
During this part of the process, the beans are allowed to rest.
Washing:
The remains of mucilage left on the bean are removed and sugars are eliminated with fresh water.
Drying:
After washing, the beans are exposed to the heat of the sun for their humidity to decrease, thus facilitating their conservation. To make transportation easier, the dried beans are then packed in clean sacks made from sisal. Further on, the thin shell of parchment called pergamino is removed from the bean.
Roasting:
The process comes to an end with the roasting of the coffee. The green bean is subjected to a heat source, and delicious aroma and flavor are generated.

Before it ever gets to Jacksonville, the boys will be threading it through Tunnel 13 on the coffee line near Pereira, Colombia, in the 'Zona Cafe.'

OCKLAWAHA

We forget what young, rugged mountains the Andes are.  That first picture is just surreal, like something out of Lord of the Rings.

All of the steps to get a cup of coffee; makes you wonder how it was ever discovered.

Damn those pictures are amazing...That first one especially. South America...wow...

Quote from: stephendare on December 04, 2011, 08:54:07 AM
It was illegal for Christians to drink it in most parts of europe.

In that case, I think we need a constitutional amendment in the US to ban coffee consumption.  Who are we to flaunt traditional morality and ancient law?

I'd like to thank everyone who came in this weekend for such a warm welcome to the neighborhood.  We are really excited to be roasting and serving hand-crafted coffee in Riverside.  I truly hope everyone who walked through our doors had a great experience.  I know we've had fun!  We look forward to meeting and getting to know many more of you and serving some great coffee and delicious craft beer in an interesting and fun atmosphere.  Also, many thanks to Jason and Greg at Content Design.  We can't say enough good things about those guys.     

We went in on Saturday night after having dinner at The Blue Fish (awesome food!) for the first time.  Were disappointed that you had run out of cookies, but the Peruvian coffee was wonderful and we saw some of our neighbors there with their baby daughter.

Really mellow atmosphere.

You need to make a deal with Bakery Moderne next door and have her make you a signature Bold Bean Biscotti to have on hand.

+1 

Another excellent foodie addition to the Stockton St/John Gorrie area.  We stopped by Friday evening around 11 and again on Saturday after dinner.  Ya gotta love that you can get great local beer and amazing in-house roasted coffee at the same spot; and extra points for the friendly staff and staying open later on weekends.  Loved the mellow atmosphere, but I think it will eventually be a lot harder to grab a seat at one of the nice cushy chairs on a Friday or Saturday night once the word gets out about this place.

Only thing it still needs (unless I missed it) is one of Dolf's "This is a cool place" stickers on the front door.

We have enjoyed their beans for a while now and are so glad they opened here. We went in twice this weekend for the best Latte's. Cool space, great hours, friendly staff, good company, great tasting coffee, and they serve beer, too. What a great addition!

We were there on opening day (twice!). Agree with all the positive comments--the team that Bold Bean put together is awesome!Very reasonable prices for a superior product too.

(http://i39.tinypic.com/wipo3o.jpg)

Stopped by yesterday for an espresso.  Delicious.  Infinitely better than anything else in town.

I compare it to eating fresh ripe fruit straight from a tree as opposed to the gassed junk that you buy in a grocery store.

We need more of the real thing in Jacksonville - of all types.  Our senses have been numbed by the processed garbage that lines the shelves.  Expect more my friends!

Thanks for all the kind comments guys!  We really enjoyed our first week serving coffee to everyone. 

13 GYPSIES
BOLD BEAN
ZEN COG
BAKERY MODERNE
THE JOHN GORRIE LOFTS

THIS HAS BECOME ONE HELL OF A GOOD LOCATION.

Just got a chance to check this place out with the wife and some friends, coffee drinkers all of them. They all raved about the brew; I was happy to have a Rhino Rye Pale Ale and enjoy such an awesome space with them. I might start drinking coffee just to enjoy the place's full potential, or at least hot chocolate.

A definite plus for Stockton Street and Jacksonville as a whole. Good work guys.

Thank you so much for stopping by Tacachale and for the feedback!  We've already converted a couple non-coffee drinkers that I know of over to the dark side.  Next time you stop by if you decide you would like to try some coffee let us know you are new to the bean and we'll find something that's not overpowering to ease you in.  We make a pretty mean hot chocolate too so that is always an option.  All sauces (vanilla, caramel and chocolate) are made in house.  We just added a honey latte to the menu made with orange blossom honey from Macclenney that may be something you like as well.  Thanks again!   

This block badly needs a Bike Rack.

I've heard the Stockton Street town center project will be putting in bike racks.

Quote from: Ernest Street on December 12, 2011, 08:19:59 PM
This block badly needs a Bike Rack.

Especially since there is a bike shop, Zen Cog, in the same block.

Quote from: Ernest Street on December 12, 2011, 08:19:59 PM
This block badly needs a Bike Rack.

Stockton would be a great location for a massive set of bike racks - enough racks to make people think twice about driving there!

What - you don't like chaining your bike to a sign post? (is that what it was this morning?)

Are bike racks part of the Stockton Town Center project?

We have the same problem at San Marco Square.  Not a single dedicate bike rack.  But that is about to change.  SMPS raised some money this year for a 'public art' bike rack (functional) that will hopefully be designed and installed in the next few months.

Bold Bean and their near neighbor, Bakery Moderne, have teamed up.  Bold Bean is offering Bakery Moderne's fantastic cookies, cakes and scones in their coffee bar.

Really smart move for them both.  Really bad move for my waistline and pocketbook.

Bold Bean's wi-fi is up too.

 Nah, maybe 25 combined.   ;D

Quote from: JAM on December 16, 2011, 05:49:48 PM
I've heard the Stockton Street town center project will be putting in bike racks.

Any more Info? did you talk to the merchants? 
Btw,is there a Merchants Association for that block? Do they all meet yet?

I went there for the first time Saturday evening to grab a quick to go cappuccino. I dug the interior and the coffee was great. But when I asked about getting soy I was given a holier then tho "I don't usually like to steam soy".  I think my reply was "really?" and he was like well i guess i shouldn't have said that. Needless to say i'll probably go back because the coffee was so good but they got to get there customer service right, that superior coffee god attitude isn't gonna cut it.

Quote from: Dashing Dan on December 17, 2011, 10:06:05 AM

Quote from: Ernest Street on December 12, 2011, 08:19:59 PM
This block badly needs a Bike Rack.

Stockton would be a great location for a massive set of bike racks - enough racks to make people think twice about driving there!

Where would you put them exactly?

Quote from: Kay on December 19, 2011, 04:13:52 PM

Quote from: Dashing Dan on December 17, 2011, 10:06:05 AM

Quote from: Ernest Street on December 12, 2011, 08:19:59 PM
This block badly needs a Bike Rack.

Stockton would be a great location for a massive set of bike racks - enough racks to make people think twice about driving there!

Where would you put them exactly?

Take up a parking space and put in a 14-rack corrall.

That probably wouldn't fly with the business owners, though.  I suggested it in San Marco Square at a merchant's meeting... and it didn't go over so well.

The cups I have had there have been excellent... possibly the best I have ever had in Jax.

As far as attitude, it's been great so far to me.  I talked to the guys there at the counter and explained that I don't know squat about good coffee, in terms of either the making of or quality of beans.  They did not give me any lip or smirk regarding my lack of knowledge and were quite helpful.  It is always great to not be made to feel as ignorant as one actually is about a new pursuit.

My only concern is for the limited amont of seating at a busier time.

Quote from: stephendare on December 18, 2011, 10:41:09 AM
I love this place, it is literally the best coffee shop in the history of jacksonville.   

My favorite was Fuel.*

*When it was JUST a coffee shop - no beer or anything else. 

Probably not a fair comparison since the two spaces are so dissimilar. 

I have high hopes for Bold Bean - I've been there twice and have been very pleased. 

Thanks again for the kind words guys.  Regarding the bike rack, we are talking with Garf down at Zen Cog and Natalie at Bakery Moderne to try to find a place for one.  A rack is needed.  Finding a place for one is the only problem.  Jaxlore, I am glad you enjoyed the coffee but more-so I am sorry if you received any attitude.  I promise none of us think we are superior because we serve coffee.  "Coffee god" baristas are the bane of my existence.  We depend on and appreciate our customers and it is our policy to treat everyone with care.  I'll bring the complaint up to everyone and we'll make sure the problem is addressed.  Thanks again everyone.  We are really enjoying being in the neighborhood and getting to know everyone.     

@ boldbeanzack

You--and your cafe--are a class act. Kudos to you for taking the bit of constructive criticism graciously, and offering a non-defensive response in return.

You set a great example for all who post in this, and any other, public forum!

BBZack..Thanks for your reply,and I understand the difficulty in where to locate a rack as no single merchant wants it permanently mounted in front of their shop. (I understand the spaces involved here)(or lack thereof)


I understand initially that there was to be retail space on the John Gorrie block.(That disappeared)
That side would be good for a bike rack if Delores says we can do it.
There could actually be a 50 plus bike rack there.

Its a little too cold sleek and modern for me. Ill take Cool Moose or 3 Layers any day because I go to coffee shops as much for atmosphere and experience as the taste of the coffee.

Quote from: Kay on December 19, 2011, 04:13:52 PM

Quote from: Dashing Dan on December 17, 2011, 10:06:05 AM

Quote from: Ernest Street on December 12, 2011, 08:19:59 PM
This block badly needs a Bike Rack.

Stockton would be a great location for a massive set of bike racks - enough racks to make people think twice about driving there!

Where would you put them exactly?

Nothings going to happen for a while across the street on the strip of land next to John Gorrie. Just put a big bike rack there and anchor it with cement. Its easy to do and easy enough to move when the time comes

Quote from: stephendare on December 19, 2011, 09:23:32 PM

Quote from: Ajax on December 19, 2011, 06:08:52 PM

Quote from: stephendare on December 18, 2011, 10:41:09 AM
I love this place, it is literally the best coffee shop in the history of jacksonville.   

My favorite was Fuel.*

*When it was JUST a coffee shop - no beer or anything else. 

Probably not a fair comparison since the two spaces are so dissimilar. 

I have high hopes for Bold Bean - I've been there twice and have been very pleased.

I think I remember this about you Ajax.

It was a comfortable space, and very vibrant before all of the Imperial conflict and etc.

But the coffee never even came close to the quality of what Zack and the guys at Bold Bean are doing.  It is by far the highest, sweetest quality product that has ever been served to my knowledge in this city.

When coffee snobs talk about the inferior quality of starbucks coffee, this is the kind of well balanced, perfectly roasted, ground and served coffee product that they are comparing it too.

Their home roast is as sweet as Illy, smoother than Lavazza and prepared by a stunningly high quality machine.  I am being quite literal in the description of this place.  It will quickly become the measure by which every other coffee product is gauged against.

Yeah, I started going to Fuel late 2000/early 2001 at a time when I really needed to be around people even if I wasn’t interacting with them.  Watching people come and go was very comforting.  Stephen, I remember saying hello to you a few times up there â€" you’re one of the many people that I remember from my high school/Einstein days who I had lost track of until reconnecting again at Fuel or Art Bar several years on. 

And they had the Qix video game in the back.  I loved that game! 

I thought that Fuel served Caribou, at least for a while.  Can anyone confirm that? 

As for Bold Bean â€" I agree with you about the quality.  Nothing comes close around here. 

Quote from: jaxlore on December 19, 2011, 04:10:27 PM
"I don't usually like to steam soy"

Well, he was trying to do you a favor.  Soy is pretty nasty steamed.  But to each his/her own.

Quote from: John P on December 20, 2011, 12:36:42 AM

Quote from: Kay on December 19, 2011, 04:13:52 PM

Quote from: Dashing Dan on December 17, 2011, 10:06:05 AM

Quote from: Ernest Street on December 12, 2011, 08:19:59 PM
This block badly needs a Bike Rack.

Stockton would be a great location for a massive set of bike racks - enough racks to make people think twice about driving there!

Where would you put them exactly?

Nothings going to happen for a while across the street on the strip of land next to John Gorrie. Just put a big bike rack there and anchor it with cement. Its easy to do and easy enough to move when the time comes

There's a bike rack for sale that's designed to fit within a parallel parking space.  It holds a whole lot of bikes.  I'd like to see one or two of those along Stockton Street.

As I read this, it appears that you can get either 14 or 22 bikes into a single on-street parking space.  Sweet!

(http://i43.tinypic.com/2ngzlug.jpg)

Isn't there something similar in the end parking space at Park and King down from Cool Moose?

I noted this in another thread over the summer

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-08-10/business/os-bike-racks-ivanhoe-village-20110810_1_bike-racks-vehicle-parking-parking-slots

I think the picture implies there would be room for 14 bikes

To me the picture looks like you can buy a rack for 14 bikes, and then you can also buy another rack for 8 bikes that fits into the same parking space.

Thanks to Garf down at ZenCog there is now secure bike parking for the Stockton Town Center.  Thanks Garf!

^Garf is indeed the man. ZenCog is the best & friendliest down to earth bike shop in town. Seriously the only shop in the core that isn't a rip off full of snooty employees as far as I'm concerned.

Quote from: John P on December 20, 2011, 12:31:55 AM
Its a little too cold sleek and modern for me. Ill take Cool Moose or 3 Layers any day because I go to coffee shops as much for atmosphere and experience as the taste of the coffee.

The coffee and service at Bold Bean is much better than Cool Moose.  Frankly, there is no comparison between the quality of the coffees. 

Quote from: Rumblefish on February 13, 2012, 08:42:03 AM

Quote from: John P on December 20, 2011, 12:31:55 AM
Its a little too cold sleek and modern for me. Ill take Cool Moose or 3 Layers any day because I go to coffee shops as much for atmosphere and experience as the taste of the coffee.

The coffee and service at Bold Bean is much better than Cool Moose.  Frankly, there is no comparison between the quality of the coffees.

Although I love the setup at Cool Moose, and frequent them often, I'll be the first to admit, there is no coffee service at Cool Moose--you get up and get your own coffee there. Secondly, outside of the daily Sweetwater coffee, that Green mountain stuff kinda sucks. You can find that in any airport, any diner across the country.

Haven't been to Bold Bean, but hear great things.

Bold Bean is the best coffee in town. Bike racks are a welcome addition. Now, if they added some simple benches or chairs on the sidewalk for outdoor sipping in the sun, well, that would be even better. Or, how about across the street in the empty lot along Stockton in front of the John Gorrie building's parking? Be bold!

Bold Bean is everything that places here should be. The product is fantastic; the baristas are knowledgeable and skilled; the atmosphere is sleek, comfortable, and noise-level appropriate.

It's nice to finally be able to get a good cup of coffee around here--not mention a proper macchiato and a good local pint. 

(One teeny thing: Perhaps a few chairs stashed in the back hall or along the back wall that can be dragged to tables? The place is always  two chairs short on buys nights.)

Thanks for the good words guys!  We should have some seating out front before too long.  We're sort-of limited with space out there though.  JaxByDefault, that is a great idea about stashing some extra chairs away.  We honestly hadn't even thought about that.  Note taken.  Ubben, that is some nice green space across the street...

We are always amazed each time we go to Bold Bean at just how good properly made coffee can be.  There is simply no comparison with anyplace else.  Combine that with something delicious from Bakery Moderne and sigh with contentment.

You also owe it to yourself to try out the new Spring Park Coffee (if you're passing through Green Cove Springs) in the former Starbucks location - they do good work, have a cool vibe & also have nothing but GREAT things to say about Bold Bean...

Is Spring Park Coffee open? Their Facebook page says "We are opening a place...", which suggests they are not open yet, but about to be.

Quote from: blizz01 on February 18, 2012, 11:05:14 AM
You also owe it to yourself to try out the new Spring Park Coffee (if you're passing through Green Cove Springs) in the former Starbucks location - they do good work, have a cool vibe & also have nothing but GREAT things to say about Bold Bean...

It would be sweet if one of those could open DT in one of the old Starbucks locations but I don't know if I could keep them in business all by myself.

Yes - they've been open for several weeks (not to hijack the thread....):

(http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s320x320/431191_226343107452928_140171852736721_492326_589634402_n.jpg)

(http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s320x320/388793_216261935127712_140171852736721_469538_1097633238_n.jpg)

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My best friend and I spent a lovely day together in the Stockton Town Center last weekend. We ate a delicious lunch of soup and sandwiches (and complimentary cookie) at Bakery Moderne. We then had our nails done at the Nail Boutique. Finally, we rounded out our afternoon at Bold Bean. Neither of us are coffee drinkers, so we ordered hot cocoa. They even were willing to experiment with vanilla and caramel flavorings for us. We enjoyed the atmosphere enough to stay for a second cup each.
I'm loving this little area, and it doesn't hurt that it's within walking distance for me (which is saying a lot for someone with a titanium leg  ;D ). Keep up the good work!

 MM, did they give you half off for the pedicure?   ;)

Sounds like a delightful afternoon.

It would sure be nice if Bold Bean could open a branch in the old Starbucks downtown location at 11 E Forsyth. 

I wonder what it would take for that to happen?  Would something have to open up in the old library?

I didn't get a pedicure that time, but I did get one this Friday evening. Their prices are extremely reasonable.

My wife and I went here yesterday for the first time. It was a great place to spend an hour on a rainy Sunday afternoon. We really enjoyed the place. The coffee is very good as well as the prices.

I would also second the motion for more chairs. We had to vulture ours, and the reason we left was to give up our chairs to people who were standing around.

Quote from: Lucasjj on February 27, 2012, 07:39:10 AM
My wife and I went here yesterday for the first time. It was a great place to spend an hour on a rainy Sunday afternoon. We really enjoyed the place. The coffee is very good as well as the prices.

I would also second the motion for more chairs. We had to vulture ours, and the reason we left was to give up our chairs to people who were standing around.

+1.

Went for my first time on Friday night with the Mrs., followed up with a visit on Saturday with two more (party of 4). Both times we had to stand while waiting for someone to get up. Thankfully on the second night someone was kind enough to move tables so we could get the table of 4.

Anyways, amazing coffee, great vibe, good music. Love the interior.

Noticed the lack of dogs lately. Did they get in trouble about that?

yeah I love this place.  I know a few super dedicated roasters in the north, but this place is the best. 

I second the more chairs vote. I know people dont mind standing if there drinking a beer, but when you've hot coffee in your hands thats a problem. To bad they dont have any outdoor seating. I do love the coffee and the vibe.

Quote from: jaxlore on June 27, 2012, 01:21:59 PM
I second the more chairs vote. I know people dont mind standing if there drinking a beer, but when you've hot coffee in your hands thats a problem. To bad they dont have any outdoor seating. I do love the coffee and the vibe.

They're working on getting some outdoor eating out back. Some tables, chairs, maybe some covered area. Will be nice.

Quote from: ben says on June 27, 2012, 10:06:40 AM
Noticed the lack of dogs lately. Did they get in trouble about that?

I heard, second-hand, that the City was OK with dogs there since they don't prepare food, but that the State inspector objected.  Have to remember to ask Zack next time.  Miss the great dogs that come in there.

Thanks for the feedback guys!  We added 12 seats to the cafe a couple of months ago.  We would like more seating inside but really don't have the room.  We will have outdoor seating behind the shop and also out front before too long.  Unfortunately we are not allowed to have dogs inside anymore.  This really saddens us but unfortunately it's one of those nonsensical rules that we must follow.  Thanks again for the support.  We really love being a part of the 'hood.  -Zack