Move Over Starbucks! In today’s economy people are looking to save money. One way they are saving is by foregoing the lattés and overpriced coffee chain specialty drinks. The good news is that smaller non-chain coffee houses are offering many craved caffeinated beverages for a fraction of the cost. One such place is Felicitous Second Hand Shop and Coffee House.
Felicitous just had its grand opening the last day of June but has already become a regular place to hang out for some Lutz locals. Located at 19015 North US Hwy 41, Felicitous sells inexpensive coffees and pastries as well as crafts, art, secondhand furniture and more.
According to new business owners Rani Chehal and Cristie Leacock, the shop has already been busy. With just a few small changes to the exterior, people that never knew the building existed are stopping in, falling in love with the place and coming back for more. During the grand re-opening, Felicitous was packed with friends, family, regulars and strangers.
Standard cups of coffee cost just $2.00 and the current drip of choice is French Roast. Different drips will be available throughout the year and the pastries to pair with the coffee will also be revolving year round.
Coffee haters have no fear, Felicitous also sells a great variety of loose leaf teas hot for $2.00 and iced for $2.50.
A popular tea that is a must-try is the Southern Spice tea served hot or iced for $2.50. This drink tastes like the flavors of winter fell in love with the flavors of summer and the result was this tea. A fair warning though if you choose to drink it on ice with a straw-don’t suck the bottom of the cup because all the spices will leave the drink at once, hit your tongue and the drink will be ruined. If consumed correctly you will find the drink to be heaven in your mouth.
Chocolate chip cookies and caramel iced vanilla cupcakes were just a few of the sweets hanging out in the shop right now. The caramel iced cupcakes paired very nicely with the French Roast coffee.
The most expensive items on the menu are the bottomless cup of coffee and the BULLS float. The bottomless cup of coffee is served hot for a six hour period for just $6.50 and the BULLS float is a liter float of cola or root beer with vanilla ice cream for $6.50 as well. Of course, the BULLS float got its name from Chehal’s love for the University of South Florida Bulls.
The coffee house offers free Wi-Fi for customers and has something going on almost every night that it is opened. Monday is knitting night, Wednesday is open mic night, Thursday is game night and the last Saturday of every month is Doggie Day at the Café. Different events will be added to the calendar month to month.
Felicitous is experimenting with their hours to see what works best for the clients. The current house hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. to midnight. The shop is closed on Sundays.
Bands hoping to participate in the open mic night are encouraged to stop by and introduce themselves to Chehal and Leacock. Crafters and artists hoping to share their talents can sell items at the shop and are also encouraged to stop by to show off their work. If approved, items can go on display and be sold.
Insider tips: Smoking is only allowed outside. Whipped cream can be added to beverages for no additional charge. Pretty much everything in the shop is for sale, including the chairs and tables. Drinks and pastries are available to-go.
For more information on Felicitous, please visit www.felicitouscoffee.com or call 813-948-6540.
