Shadowbox Live is one step closer to relocating from Easton to the Brewery District. Last week, their Backstage Bistro softly launched as a daytime coffee shop, offering Crimson Cup coffee to neighboring businesses and residents who are looking for their caffeine fix. Eventually, the Bistro will be expanded to offer lunch, dinner and a full service bar.
We recently spoke with Katy Psenicka, General Manager at Shadowbox for a quick Q&A about the new coffee shop.
Q: Was the Backstage Bistro planned all along, or did it come together later on after getting inside the new space?
A: It was something we had programmed from the beginning, before we found the Brewery District space. We weren’t sure what form a bistro would take for us but we knew that as we searched for a stand alone building we’d want to capitalize on the coming and going audiences in some way, so the idea of a bistro/bar was in our heads from the get-go.
Q: What does the Bistro offer Shadowbox that wasn’t available in the previous location at Easton?
A: Well, from a more esoteric stand point it gives us an opportunity to connect with and contribute to our new neighborhood. There is just no way we could compete and make a meaningful impact out at Easton with so many established and national vendors (food and beverage both!).
From a more practical stand point, the Bistro offers a stream of revenue that we can accrue when audiences arrive and leave the building as well as an opportunity to create new audiences based on those that are stopping by for coffee or lunch but who might not have ever been to a Shadowbox Live show.
Q: What sort of customers do you see the Bistro attracting?
A: We anticipate a little of everything actually! I think we’ll see lots of folks from the neighborhood as well as lots of business folks. Just working down here on the renovation I’m stunned by how many people walk by each day. Hopefully, a percentage of them will stop in!
Q: What type of items will be found on the menu?
A: To start we’re only offering coffee drinks (lattes, etc) and light breakfast fare (danishes, bagels). Once we’ve made the move from Easton we’ll be expanding the menu to offer lunch and dinner and then, of course, the bar! Both lunch and dinner will reflect our current menu but they will also be expanded. We are currently testing some of the items we hope to carry for lunch and fine dining.
Q: What are the hours of operation?
A: We’re open 6:30 AM – 2:00 PM Monday thru Friday and 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM Saturdays and Sundays.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: Yes, we’re absolutely thrilled to be here in the Brewery District!
More information can be found online at www.ShadowboxLive.org.