Good news, coffee lovers. Foundation Coffee Co.'s Ybor location is celebrating its grand opening on Saturday, Nov. 28. In case you missed it, Foundation is taking over the former space of The Bunker stationed at 1907 N. 19th St.
Co-owner Jennifer Clark told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that the soft opening may happen prior, but the location is still awaiting some key equipment before it can be up and running. Damn you, COVID-19.
When it comes to sips, expect espresso drinks, teas and the usual coffee shop suspects like lattes, cappuccinos, Americanos and pour-overs. As far as bites go, Clark says that the shop will start slow and build up the food offerings according to demand and requests from guests. To begin, the menu is set to host a handful of breakfast sandwiches, pastries, muffins as well as a selection of gluten-free options. While Foundation wants to accommodate dietary preferences, menu options may not be available until there is a repeated need for a certain item.
"Those are growing pains and things that we're looking at, you know, how do we expand the menu and offer something for everyone, as best as we can," Clark explained in a phone call with CL. Clark is working on locking down a chef for the Ybor location, but the Foundation team has already tapped Shawn Marron—one of the shop's veteran baristas—to get the Ybor location off the ground.
"He's been with us the longest been with us for years at Riverview and he'll be coming over to work with us," Clark shared.
Upon opening, the co-owner shared that the shop will follow all city, county and state guidelines, as well as regular cleaning of surfaces, and masks for employees and customers. Clark says that until further notice all drinks and food items will be served in disposable products.
In the future, the Ybor location hopes to act as a space for locals to host events (baby showers, bridal showers, etc.) as the Tampa Heights location did in the past. Clark and her team also hope to incorporate catering in the near future once all is up and running.
Until then, if you're in the neighborhood keep your eyes peeled for the shop's soft opening to snag your caffeinated sips.
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