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A teaser sign for Impero Coffee recently appeared in the window of the former Cuppy’s Coffee shop located in the Dakota Building in the Short North. They’ve also got a teaser website that includes little information aside from a date of December 5th, 2009, which is to be assumed as their target opening date.
Does anyone have any other details on what to expect of the newest entry into the Short North Coffee Shop market?
This is good news, as I desperately need a coffee shop on my block. Hopefully they took a lesson from Cuppy’s. After waiting for months for that place to open, we were extremely disappointed. When we went there, they didn’t even have real half & half. It was that fake land ‘o lakes oil creamer. As a coffee shop, there are not too many things you need to have, real cream is one of them. I didn’t find the coffee very good either. I’ll be crossing my fingers that Impero does it right.
Hope they manage to make the space comfortable – Cuppy’s wasn’t.
Glad to see someone moving in so quickly!
I thoroughly enjoyed Cuppys. Initially the half-baked chain presentation threw me off, but the staff & owner won me over. Good people. I did a lot of freelance work there when I stayed down the street. I will miss it.
That location demands a coffee shop free from franchise predictability and mediocrity. Best of luck to Impero.
Happy to share details as we can make them public:
-family owned, family operated
-locally roasted beans by our expert roaster
-baristas who know good coffee
-plenty of food options at a great price (more on that coming soon)
In that location my idealistic changes I would want are as follows: ( ignoring cost and viability… )
1. Blur inside / outside with acceptable weather. A la sliding doors.
2. A walk up window. Keeps the traffic outside.
3. Bakery component. Think freshly baked breads.
4. Micro artisan bake shop. Good oils, eggs, cheeses, milk…. all of that organic whole food sort of stuff. Maybe that would be possible with an arrangement with a merchant at north market. They keep your selves stocked and have a satellite promotional location. Also there isn’t a huge investment on your part beyond shelves.
5. A liquor permit. Yes please.
6. Play up that outdoor sidewalk patio space year round. Everyone loves a good patio. Space heaters?
7. Good, strong espresso and a talented barista.
8. An italian woman in the back making delicious bakery items.
9. Monthly artists & their monthly opening party.
.. just a few thoughts…
Could it be booked for book signings, poetry readings, comedy nights? Or community meetings. Something to stay relevant and keep traffic up. This might help being welcomed to the neighborhood so you aren’t drawn into cuppy’s situation.
There is something to be said about a lack of book stores ( open book…) or business that reflect parts of the neighborhood’s character ( coffee table…)
If you need a graphic design or web designer let me know. A solid brand can make or break you.
my one request would be for FAST service. the owners of Cuppy’s were nice but it would frequently take 10 minutes to get a latte and when you’re on your way to work, that is just way too long.
when weather gets nice … have some nice seats outside
I’m always a fan for partnering with other business. It would be neat if you had cookies from Pistachio Vera, Hot dogs from Dirty Franks, Martinis from Bristol Bar, Dogs Treats from that dog bakery next to Marcellas, Pizza by the slice from Marcellas, Greener Grocery Produce, etc. It’s a good way to cross promote, establish instant credibility with known local brands, and test new products without a huge investment. You would specialize in fine drinks and everything else you partner with the best. It’s an interesting idea. I wonder which business would be willing to do this.
Get the NYTimes (I like to buy it on site), decent music and a decent breakfast sandwich and I’ll switch up my morning routine. Great coffee has to be a given.
garrettbe is pumped! Can I ask the inspiration for the name of the shop?
Building upon garrett–
can you please add a swimming pool and/or movie screen? :)
good luck. I like the logo!
haha… “swimming pool and/or movie screen?” yes please and segways to get from the ordering counter to the pick up counter. :-P
Slow day at work…
@Thory… not quite pumped yet. I just don’t want to have this conversation in a year when they close and we’re talking about dakota coffee shop 3.0
I’m pumped for the short north in general. Sounds like we’re getting a bunch of new stores with excellent concepts.
I’m hoping to see a stronger effort made on differentiation. Competing with the numerous coffee houses in the hood on the coffee product is a good start, but may not be enough.
If the food is done right that could be a significant distinction. The food at MoJoe is terrifying. The few times I’ve partaken, I feel like my life is on the line.
Atmosphere/ decor is another area I would give serious attention. The old Cuppy’s space with it’s neon green colors and fluorescent overheard lights had this Girl, Interrupted mental institution ambiance.
Coffee will be awesome!
http://imperocoffee.com/13860_521998899510_164901167_31040699_2490147_n.jpg
ouch- terrifying? Jon I would love to speak with you. My email is mark@cupojoe.com and office is 487.6050. BTW- more great coffee will be awesome for the Short North!
I know the staff of every restaurant probably chain smokes, but I see a constant revolving door of staff going out and chain smoking all over the premises. Mostly out front where you walk through a smoke cloud to enter your place.
I know everyone is not washing their hands. I’ve seen it all the time and it grosses me out and ruins the experience to the point where I wouldn’t eat there.
Anyhow Mark thanks for being proactive. Check your email. I’d be happy to discuss more concerns in person.
Best,
-jon