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/73257
ST. ELMO'S COFFEE PUB A���������, V�. BY STEPHENIE OVERMAN T pride in being the "community gathering place" for that eclectic neighborhood. Del Ray residents are "involved, laid back, arty, funky, Potomac River from the nation's capital. For more than 15 years, St. Elmo's Coff ee Pub has taken he Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, Va., prides itself on being a friendly small-town community just across the St. Elmo's owner Nora Partlow. So is St. Elmo's. "We appeal to a mix of people. We're all-inclusive. We have a niche for everyone, from babies to 90-somethings." For example, every Wednesday morning the Socrates Coff ee and their babies. Knitting groups, book groups and student study groups meet regularly, and there's entertainment every month for toddlers and preschool kids. Th ursday night features New Orleans-style jazz, "seasoned St. Elmo's also hosts La Leche League meetings for moms " Partlow says. musicians who are so dedicated to playing here for the love of music that they come every single week, rain or snow, artists, bakers and of hosting book readings and signings, Partlow says: "Anything local I like to support. Th at's been the model since we opened. Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company and local baked goods, with an emphasis on healthy and natural. Th e menu includes 100 percent fruit smoothies, sandwiches, muffi ns and Birchermuesli (oats, yogurt, fruit, nuts). Th at includes coff ee from the local " 38 | July 2012 • www.specialty-coffee.com adding that the group, Not So Modern Jazz, has a loyal following of both young and old fans. St. Elmo's makes a point of supporting local musicians, " she says, " says to do everything, Partlow says. Th at has meant investing in fully automatic equipment because "we want everybody to make a good drink." St. Elmo's is located on Mount Vernon Avenue, which was local young people. Most of them walk to work, which helps the environment," she says. Th ere are no designed baristas; all 15 employees are trained Club, a dozen or so retired doctors, judges, scientists and politicians, commandeers a big table to discuss the topics of the day. People of all ages "love sitting around and listening, the main street of Alexandria in the 1940s and 1950s. Th e building originally was an upscale women's clothing store, Partlow says. "Th e older ones remember their parents bringing them here for Easter clothes." But the area fell on hard times. "We took a risk and opened Th e emphasis on local extends to hiring practices. "We hire in this area. It was an abandoned building" when she and a former partner opened 16 years ago. Today Mount Vernon Avenue is dotted with restaurants and shops. St. Elmo's has supported the local community, and in return, the community has steadfastly supported the coff ee shop, she says: "I believe that's why I have stayed in business so long, through economic downturns. "St. Elmo's is about people. People come [to the Washington, " even D.C. area] from all over the United States. Our business is about that special place, that third space. In our area that's so hard to fi nd. th 5 S�������-A������� ����� ��������� �������� ��������; B��� ������� B��� �������, ������ ��� ����� ���� ����; V���-��� ��������; 2 N��� P������ EQUIPMENT: OWNER: WEBSITE: ����://����������������.��� "People tell me; 'I thrive here.' I listen to the conversations around me. It's energizing. I'I'm proud of that. At the same time they have provided a regular income for me…. About 500 people come through my doors every day." SCR St. Elmo's Coff ee Pub 2 2300 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Va.