Taste of Java Cafe will open May 3 at 2630 Charlevoix, near the intersection of Chene and Gratiot. The coffee shop is 4,000 square feet and will seat 50. It offers free
wi-fi, flat screen televisions and a surround sound system; the
menu includes a full array of espresso drinks, gourmet
coffees, juices, soft drinks, and pastries.
New Yorker Erkan Chase caught a glimpse of the five-story building in 1999 and, despite its vacant state, saw potential in its facade. He purchased it with a local, Coral Watt, and, after lots of sweat equity and family workdays, Chase and partners Marcus McDermott and Gregory Worrell are ready to open their doors.
More than $2 million dollars has been invested into the building, as is evident by the iron-gated parking lot, ceramic-tiled lobby, marble counter tops, leather chairs and other such details. The second level of the building has also been renovated, as an open floor plan loft.
Taste of Java's grand opening will run from noon to 2 a.m. and will feature live entertainment, hors d'
oeuvres and an art showcase. A full array of coffee and espresso drinks, fruit
smoothies and pastries will be available for purchase.
Source: Javay Johnson, manager, Taste of Java
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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