People sit at outdoor patio tables shaded by black umbrellas in front of "DI Coffee Bar" and an adjacent business labeled "HomeWork." The sunlit scene shows individuals engaged in conversation and looking at papers, while leafy trees cast shadows across the sidewalk and the white storefronts. — The first DI Coffee Bar opened in 2014 on E Davis Boulevard., where Ramon Perez and his wife, Marilyn, work as homebuilders. Credit: Courtesy of DI Coffee Bar

The “DI” in Davis Islands’ DI Coffee Bar is becoming more symbolic than literal as the cafe opens its second off-island (OI?) location in Midtown Tampa.

The shop’s owner, Ramon Perez, told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that he’s opening a third location in the lobby of TECO’s new headquarters at 3600 Midtown Dr. with a target date of mid-February. TECO will operate the majority of the new 18-story, 440,000-square-foot office tower called Midtown East.

The first DI Coffee Bar opened in 2014 on E Davis Boulevard., where Perez and his wife, Marilyn, work as homebuilders.

The cafe began as a side project for the couple, a community spot for coffee and pastries that has grown far beyond Perez’ expectations.

“If you would’ve told me (DI Coffee Bar) was going to be what it’s become, I never would’ve believed you,” Perez said with a laugh.

In 2023, DI Coffee Bar added an evening aspect to the cafe, hosting Best of the Bay-winning weekly Friday night jazz shows on the cafe’s back patio.

“It’s been such a great experience for us, and frankly, we have worked with some of the best people in the twelve years we’ve been there. It’s been the quality of the people that has made (DI Coffee) what it is,” Perez said.

Following its success on Davis Islands, Perez expanded to a second location in Seminole Heights last April, taking over Cake Cuties Bakery’s space, which had previously supplied baked goods for DI Coffee Bar.

At DI Coffee Bar’s Midtown Tampa location, guests can expect the same coffee and full menu available at DI’s other two locations, with the addition of some gluten-free options.

Due to the restraints of being located in an office building lobby, DI Coffee will not offer live music, wine, or beer at its Midtown location. DI Coffee Bar in Midtown will be open 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, with plans to add weekend hours coming soon. You can find updates at dicoffeebar.com and at @dicoffeebar on Instagram.