Specialty Coffee Retailer is a publication for owners, managers and employees of retail outlets that sell specialty coffee. Its scope includes best sales practices, supplies, business trends and anything else to assist the small coffee retailer.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/29864
COMMA COFFEE Carson City, Nevada G ood, comfortable coff ee shops are known for their life- affi rming atmosphere and hospitality. But few shops can match the amazing feeling at Comma Coff ee in Carson City. Comma Coff ee—named because “if life was a sentence, Comma Coff ee would be the comma—opened its doors in October 2000. Owner June Joplin, then 42, was coming off a diffi cult marriage and sought a life change. “I always dreamt of creating a place where people came and felt at home, where they mattered and connected, a place where all generations could mingle and share,” Joplin says, “A place where folks would pause and relax, rejuvenate their spirit—we encourage loitering. A place that exudes love, and passion for life, people and our souls.” Joplin created that place in an older, one-story building with plenty of windows and a patio. She fi lled it with couches, easy chairs, books, games, and plants. Th en she invited local artists and musicians to display and perform there, establishing the shop as an artistic destination. “Music, art, expression of all kinds, as long as it is life edifying,” is how Joplin describes the shop’s performances and exhibits. “I feel strongly that this was something missing and much needed in our culture of hurry up, too busy, anxiety, consumerism, selfi sh striving, and disconnection.” Th e connections continue beyond the shop’s walls. Joplin locally sources as many of her menu items as she can. She purchases produce from local organic farms and brews locally roasted Alpen Sierra Organic Coff ee. “We support as many local businesses and organic farms as possible,” Joplin says. “Our staff loves each other, and the atmosphere of community begins behind the bar.” Joplin and her staff brew coff ee drinks on a La Pavoni double head espresso machine, which has been mainstay since Comma 46 | May 2011 • www.specialty-coffee.com BY ED AVIS opened. Among the most popular coff ee drinks are the Comma Super lattes. “Of these I believe the favorite is the MaryJean Praline,” Joplin says. “Named aſt er my mom, it is a double latte with crème brûlée and praline syrups with a caramel swirl.” Comma Coff ee also does a brisk business with non-coff ee drinks including fresh fruit smoothies. A favorite is the Sunrise Sensation, a delectable blend of strawberries, bananas, Grapenuts, soy milk, non-fat yogurt and honey. Customers can order breakfast or lunch all day. Breakfast choices include Eggshamination, a croissant sandwich with two steamed eggs, melted provolone, and honey-baked ham; and Eggsclamation, a croissant sandwich made with two steamed edggs, basil pesto, fresh spinah, red onion, and melted provolone. Popular lunch items include Circumnavigation, a wrap with turkey, provolone, veggies and ranch dressing. Th e food and drinks bring the profi ts, but Comma’s mission is really about community. Th e shop hosts writing workshops, salsa dance lessons, a community drum circle, a lecture series, an open mic night, and much more. Th e shop also features local artists in its Backseat Gallery. Aſt er more than a decade in business, Joplin can off er advice to other shop owners: “My advice—know yourself and your giſt s (these better include grace, patience, and tenacity). Do what you love. People can feel it. If there is no joy in unlocking that door every morning, it is not the business for you. Be true to your vision and philosophy. Everyone has advice and suggestions, but you must listen to your own voice, for that is who you will answer to.” Comma Coff ee EQUIPMENT: La Pavoni Double Head Espresso Machine Mon, Weds, Th urs: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tues, Fri, Sat: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Closed Sunday www.commacoff ee.com