A new coffeeshop opened Downtown next to Columbus Commons back in March. Hemingway’s Coffee Nook, located inside the 175 on The Park building, is the perfect place to satisfy your inner Francophile.
Theresa Federer has been in coffee business for over 14 years, starting off managing at Caribou, and later at Peet’s Coffee. She always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and wanted to open her own coffee shop business. Opportunity came for new building in the former Java Jan space, who vacated a week after Christmas. Federer signed the lease January 30th, and got to work repainting and remodeling the space. Hemingway’s opened on March 9.
“I’ve always enjoyed Earnest Hemingway and Paris in the 20s… that’s when all the artists came together as a community of writers, painters, and poets that swapped ideas in different cafes,” said Federer. “Earnest Hemingway was probably the biggest voice of that time, sort of their ringleader. I want to hopefully take people back to that.”
Michel Delacroix prints, portraits of Hemingway, and various French-themed decor line the walls. Federer has definitely pinned down the small Parisian cafe feel she was searching for.
Hemingway’s buys their coffee beans from Caldi, a family-owned company out of North Carolina. The counter carries Sammy’s New York Style bagels and baked goods from wholesale retailer Instantwhip, who is also their dairy provider. Instantwhip sources local bakers to provide muffins, scones, cinnamon buns and more. Federer eventually wants to find a local bakery to provide for Hemingway’s, as well as food vendor. She currently makes her own sandwiches and lunch wraps.
“Everyone’s been very welcoming,” she said. “It’s quite a learning curve to go from managing a corporate company to your very own, so it’s been an education as well.”
The cozy inside seats 22, while the shaded outdoor patio seats 18. The Columbus Commons stage is visible from the patio, and will be open during special events. Federer plans to expand hours for evenings, but at the time, Hemingway’s is open 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/hemingwayscoffeenook.