By David W. Hill, The Modesto Bee, Calif.
Jul. 23–You know the economy is in bad shape when coffeehouse giant Starbucks is closing 600 stores nationwide, including the two in the Northern San Joaquin Valley: one on Tully Road in Modesto and the other in Atwater. It’s all part of the strategy by the company to eliminate some underperforming stores and get a grip on slipping sales.
And it’s not just the 800-pound gorilla of the retail coffee industry that’s suffering. As the economy weakened, small independent coffeehouses also have been hard hit as consumers cut down on trips to get their favorite espresso drinks. But Perry and Camaron Keyes of Waterford weren’t deterred by the challenging conditions faced by businesses big and small these days, launching the first of what they hope will be a string of coffeehouse franchises under the Beans Coffee Co. brand. Their flagship outlet is just off the highway at 12120 Yosemite Blvd. in Waterford. It sits in the new strip shopping center on the south side of Yosemite, also known as Highway 132, just west of the IGA grocery store. They also own the Mountain Mike’s Pizza and Mountain Creamery near their coffeehouse.
Beans will feature blends from Modesto-based Clayton’s Coffee Co. Besides fresh-brewed coffees and the full-range of espresso drinks, customers can purchase whole beans. Folks also will find blended ice-coffee drinks, fresh fruit smoothies, teas, pastries, salads, veggie cups, wraps and more. Wraps are the signature items on the menu, with seven kinds available daily, such as the chicken club.
The coffeehouse offers all the typical amenities, comfortable chairs to lounge in, soothing music and warm interior colors. Beans also provides free WiFi Internet access — sit, sip and surf. There’s a patio for those who want to sit outside, and a drive-through.
Hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 874-3083. While it might seem like a strange time to launch a coffeehouse, the Keyeses think Beans has the right blend of ingredients to be successful — not too weak, not too strong, made to order.
Elsewhere on the Business Beat:
Another entrepreneur who thinks now’s a good time start a small business is Susan Johnston, who recently kicked open the doors to her Bonnie J shoe boutique in downtown Modesto.
Johnston, a veteran of the retail industry, is stocking her shop at 1020 J St. with designer shoes of all sizes, shapes and styles, from flip flops to formal heels. Named for late mother Bonnie J. Brocco, the shop carries such brands as Betsey Johnson, Sam Edelman, Calvin Klein, Yellow Box, Jeffrey Campbell and Donald J. Pliner.
She’s also carries designer handbags and fashion jewelry. Johnston can special order those special pumps directly from shoe designers. The shop hosts private shoe parties for those who want that special shopping experience. Women who want to give their husbands and friends some gift ideas also can set up wish lists with their shoe and accessory favorites — now if we could only remember those important dates.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call 521-2700. See you there. I’ll be the guy carrying a wish list and calendar.
Have an item for Business Beat? Send it to David W. Hill, The Modesto Bee, P.O. Box 5256, Modesto 95352; or [email protected].
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Copyright (c) 2008, The Modesto Bee, Calif.
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