Pineapple Espresso isn't what happens when you mix caffeine with juice from the spiky fruit. But it is St. Petersburg's newest drive-thru coffee shop.
As of Wednesday, Jan. 13, Pineapple Espresso has launched in soft-opening mode at 3045 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N. The shop will function as a small-batch roaster specializing in speedy service that doesn't compromise quality. You see, this place aims to turn the traditional fast-food model on its head with cups of joe roasted on-site and "healthy-fresh" bites.
Options include the favorite house roast, Guatemalan, served in drip, cold-brew or espresso form. There's also the everything toast (check it out above), which tops nine-grain toast with a 6-minute egg, avocado and everything seasoning.
According to an update posted to Pineapple Espresso's Facebook page last month, the shop plans to focus on its drive-thru component in the beginning stages of its premiere.
"We want to make sure we have products that you want and that we can execute FAST! Because of this, we will be a drive-thru ONLY until we have mastered it," reads a portion of the update.
Cafe seating and an expansion of the menu, which is limited, will follow later as part of phase two. However, the shop has promised to release new items weekly.
At the moment, Pineapple Espresso operates 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
