When the weather is nice like it has been lately, I really enjoy walking around downtown. So many fun shops on both sides of the street and I always notice tons of smiles on Phillips Ave. Jenna Aukerman is co-owner of Coffea Roasterie and I met up with her, her husband, Bryan and their black lab, Bacchus to chat about her pet-friendly business. In answering the questions I had about her business, Jenna also shed some light on why downtown people look so relaxed and happy when you walk by (it's like she read my mind). Jenna explains how downtown has more of a "live, work, play" vibe to it. There is a residential feel to downtown with dogs and owners being a big part of it. She says making Coffea a dog-friendly business was a natural inclusion. As is true with many pet friendly businesses, there are regulars who visit Coffea while out with their owners. Jenna and Bryan lit up when they started telling me about the dogs who frequent Coffea... a spaniel, a rescued greyhound and Aria, the husky. (It makes me want to just hang out sipping on lattes until I meet them all!) I asked Jenna if she thinks that being dog-friendly has helped her business, and she said she feels that it has. She reiterated how the downtown atmosphere has a different dynamic. People live their lives downtown; they don't have to drive to go somewhere entertaining. People who live downtown, walk their dogs, pop in for a coffee and read a book or visit with friends. It's a place of leisure, and it's a benefit to get to take your canine friend with you. From the standpoint of the customer, Bryan adds that it just adds to the relaxing atmosphere when you walk into a place like Coffea and see a dog lying near their owner. Saving my favorite question for last, I asked Jenna, "If Bacchus were to come into Coffea for a drink, what would he order?" She said, "If he could melt butter and drink it, he would. (Ha!) Creamy and caloric make the best treats. But, from the menu options Bacchus would probably choose a Con Panna." Espresso Con Panna is a shot of espresso topped with lots of whipped cream. I love the visual of Bacchus taking a sip (ok, slurp), then raising his head to look at me with whipped cream everywhere. (My camera's ready, Bacchus!) Bacchus was such a gentleman during my interview with Jenna. He sat with us and let me know that he could smell treats in my camera bag, but he still greeted customers who sat down next to us if he felt that they were "pet friendly." He loves to hike, run, swim, and bike with Jenna, but he seemed to enjoy relaxing in Coffea just as much as the next guy. I'm told that Bacchus will snatch his fair share of spilled coffee beans, too. (Jenna says that on those days they work in an extra run.) ;) "Creating community is part of Coffea's mission, and being dog-friendly helps do that." So, the next time you're downtown with your four legged companion, you know that you are both welcome in Coffea. (And, Bacchus told me that there are Milkbones and water bowls, so if you don't see them, just ask). Do you follow Coffea Roasterie on Facebook? You might want to give them a 'like" so that you don't miss out on all the fun. Besides offering espresso milkshakes (who knew?!) they also host classes! You can learn from the pros about how to make homemade syrups, everything you've always wanted to know about tea, and even how to pour latte art! Enjoy!
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Quoted...I can't really get them to say "cheese," but I can almost always make them smile. -Kelly Categories
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