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Thursday, Mar. 28, 2024

Brewed Expressions plans sit-down cafe

CINDY WOOD/independent feature writer

Think big, Van Wert. Brewed Expressions certainly is.

Brewed Expressions owner Frank Bowen offers up coffee at the drive-through on South Washington Street. The local company recently announced the expansion of a sit-down café to be open this summer. (photo submitted)
Brewed Expressions owner Frank Bowen offers up coffee at the drive-through on South Washington Street. The local company recently announced the expansion of a sit-down café to be open this summer. (photo submitted)

One of the community’s newest small businesses, a coffee drive-through located on South Washington Street, has quickly outgrown its surroundings, prompting an announcement from Director of Marketing/Accounting Frankie Bowen that the business will soon be expanding.

Just 13 months into the venture, Bowen has announced the addition of a sit-down café that will offer the usual fare, along with an expanded menu.

It’s good news for Van Wert and an exciting time for the business, which has enjoyed tremendous success in its first year of operation. Much of that success, Bowen said, can be credited to unwavering support from the local community as well as loyal, hard-working employees.

“We couldn’t be more grateful about the support we’ve received both from the community, as well as our employees,” Bowen said. “It has truly been a blessing to us and we’ve met so many wonderful people over the last year.”

Brewed Expressions will be adding a sit-down location, Brewed Expressions Café, which will offer an expanded breakfast and lunch menu, in addition to a variety of coffees and other drinks. Fans of the business heard of the announcement Monday morning via Facebook, but what they haven’t heard yet is where the business will be located.

Featuring an intimate setting, with a floor-to-ceiling fireplace, Brewed Expressions Café will be located at 706 West Ervin Road, adjacent to the Bridge Christian Bookstore.

The new location will feature a private entrance on the west side of the building, as well as access into The Bridge from within the café.

“So it’s really a great way for people to buy their books and just come over and sit down, relax and read,” Bowen said.

Eventually, plans could include expanding into an outdoor sitting area as well, which would feature tables, umbrellas and a place for people to sit down and enjoy the day.

While Brewed Expressions is excited about the future, Bowen, along with many in Van Wert, were sad to hear of the closing of Perks Café, a long-time downtown Van Wert coffee shop.

“We were really sad to hear that, but at the same time, we’re happy that Laura will have time with her family now and get to travel or have the time to do whatever she wants,” Bowen said, adding that he had spoken with the owner of Perks, who wished them well with their business.

Bowen added that talks of the business expansion have been going on for many months, and the announcement is being made to let community residents know they won’t have to go too long without a sit-down café.

A tentative opening is slated for June, but if things progress faster than that, the business could be open sooner, Bowen said. Customers who desire the convenience of stopping by the drive-through for a quick pick-me-up can rest assured.

“We are still under contract for at least another year there, so we’ll still be able to offer that convenience for people on the go,” Bowen said, adding that the new location will offer in-house dining and carry-out.

The business currently employs four people at the drive-through, and the expansion will call for an additional three to four part-time jobs — and possibly additional summer help.

With a contract now in place, Bowen and staff can begin planning for the future, and lots of creative ideas are being tossed around, all with customers in mind.

“We love the idea of having live music, possibly an acoustic guitar or a piano and we’ve talked about painting nights as well,” Bowen said, adding that right now, there are many possibilities for what the business can become.

Above all else, Bowen wants it to be a place where people in the community can gather, have a good time, and be able to get an excellent product. It’s what the business has been banking on since its opening in February of last year.

“We’ve always strived to provide the most excellent customer service,” Bowen said. “We want to be friends with our customers, and we want them to know that they are getting a great products.”

And an expanded business means expanded products.

“We’ll definitely be expanding our baked goods, and will have homemade cinnamon rolls, cheesecakes, possibly some pies.”

The lunch menu will feature a significant salad menu, wraps and soup. Additionally, the new café will offer Brewed Expressions merchandise, organic goods, smoothies and frappes.

“We’ll be able to do so much more, and offer a wide variety of foods and drinks with the expanded space,” Bowen said, adding that bagged coffee will also be for sale.

Brewed Expressions Café is also pursuing the idea of offering rental space to groups hosting meetings, bridal and baby showers and gatherings. Event catering has been a success for the business so far, and will remain available.

“Catering orders have been huge for us, so that’s something we’re definitely looking forward to expanding. We make everything in-house and take it to the location and clean up after,” Bowen said.

For more information on catering or services, call 419.605.5528. Anyone interested in future employment can drop off a resume at the drive-through, Bowen said.

POSTED: 03/03/15 at 8:12 am. FILED UNDER: News