Joffrey's, the 30-year-old Tampa-based coffee and tea company, moved its shop from the Centro Ybor complex to a larger space a block away. It reopened in its new dwelling three days ago.
The building at 1811 N. 15th St. formerly housed Streetcar Charlie's Bar & Grille and The Laughing Cat Bistro, which closed in February.
Though Joffrey's is still settling in (waiting on frames for Audrey Hepburn and vintage Ybor streetcar posters, more glassware and the like), it should be issue-free in about five days, according to co-owner Jessica Valdes.
To sustain its catering and to-go orders, Joffrey's needed more kitchen room, Valdes said.
The bigger digs will also support another addition to shop: pours of Belgian beer and imported wine. Like the coffee and tea, patrons may purchase their bottled libations for takeaway if they don't want to stay and unwind.
The shop's stickin' to its original food and drink lineup — which includes classic liquids, sandwiches and breakfast served all day — that changes depending on what's in season. Valdes said the joint also plans to highlight new offerings like additional gluten-free items, a bakery and grub that pairs well with the wine and brews.
Valdes called the more lounge-y areas of Joffrey's, equipped with books and magazines, couches and games such as foosball, "chill zones." She said an old-school tabletop Pac-Man should arrive soon, and that the shop attracts everyone from business people to Hillsborough Community College students.
There's seating for nearly 80 people scattered throughout the space, including what's at the bar. After the old Streetcar Charlie's train is fixed, it'll circle above bar-drinking patrons.
Joffrey's stays open late Friday and Saturday. When asked about the shooting that happened near the building around 11 p.m. last Saturday, Valdes said she feels for the 16-year-old victim's family.
The shop operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7 to 1 a.m. Friday; 8 to 1 a.m. Saturday; and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.
