If you've ever had the fantasy of owning your own little coffeehouse -- or cozy cafe -- Zoglin is looking for you. Pruitt's neighborhood coffeehouse was popular with the community living between Rockhill Road and Brookside Boulevard. But after six years, Pruitt closed up the shop. "People are heartsick over the loss of the place," Zoglin says. "I still have people coming around looking to see if it's going to open again."
Pruitt served a limited food menu but proclaimed on her website that her house-baked scones were the "world's best." There are still former patrons who agree with that claim.
Zoglin thinks the space -- which seats between 50 and 70 people -- would be great as a coffeehouse or a small full-service bistro. "It's practically a turnkey operation," he says. "Martha spent a lot of time and money updating the electricity, the plumbing and creating a kitchen. I just need an entrepreneur who has a vision of what could be done in this space."
The closest coffeehouse to this location would be the Roasterie Cafe at 6223 Brookside Boulevard -- at least six blocks to the west. Another independently owned coffeehouse nearby, Mark Holmes' Coffee Break at 5400 Troost, closed last year. Does this area need another coffee vendor? Zoglin says yes. Fat City also asked Emily Farris, communications manager for the Roasterie Cafe.
"You have to look at the neighborhood and think about the best way to serve that neighborhood," Farris says. "I wouldn't say there's no room for another coffee shop in Brookside, but I'd encourage someone thinking of opening a coffee shop to look at neighborhoods that are underserved when it comes to locally operated, independent coffee shops."
Translation: Uh, no.
But, what the hell, if you've always fantasized about becoming a full-time barista and baking scones for a living -- or just want to follow your dream of owning your own little bitty restaurant -- call Ron Zoglin's associate, Tom Nimmo, at 816-805-6154 or 816-444-4774.
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When my hubby and I win Powerball we will bankroll you. Just get Pruitt's recipe for scones!
I guess Mr. Zoglin would have to show why someone else could make money while the previous tenants who ran a nice operation couldn't make it.
Today I was at Bella Napoli. There was a guy 2 tables away who looked exactly like Matt Damon. Only short.
If a place is making real espresso drinks, not automated, it will not be fast. Nor should it be.
Bella Napoli does have good coffee and espresso, but it's not exactly the quiet gathering place I had in mind.
HELLO----Ever gotten your caffine fix at Bella Napoli-2 doors down from The Roasterie???? Not corporate (still slow) and good coffee, not that I'm not missing Oak Street myself.
mmm I have a truly winning idea for that area. But no capital. I have a co-chef signed on, we just need a windfall. Sigh ...
Just moved near Oak Street Coffee and I'm upset that it closed. Winged Cup at Gregory and Oak also closed up shop within the past year, I believe. Don't worry, I don't think it's a shortage. While Brookside is hurting, Waldo has opened its doors to One More Cup and Coffee Girls are both thriving. And Muddy's is not much further than Coffee Break for that neighborhood.
That said, I won't be a regular at the Roasterie, which really is the only coffee option in the heart of Brookside. It may be locally owned and operated, but it is far too corporate looking and feeling (and slow). And judging by their Communications Manager's cold response, they don't seem to care. Looking forward to what comes in the old Oak Street Coffee space. I hope that will be my new walk-to coffee place.
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