The Bay area's best coffee is getting a makeover. Last month, Sarasota's Local Coffee and Tea purchased Latitude 23.5's three Gulf Coast retail coffee shops, including the outlet on First Avenue S. in downtown St. Petersburg.
"We've got three principles: promoting local products and services, protecting local environments and celebrating local treasures," says Local's owner Michael Duranko.
Keeping with principle one, the coffee will remain the same local brew that garnered a Best Coffee nod from me last year. "This coffee is some of the best in the country," agrees Duranko, and the beans will continue to be sourced and roasted by longtime Gulf Coast coffee guru Chris Keesecker.
For principle two, Local offers employees a daily bonus of $5 for walking, biking or taking public transportation to work. "Some of them already did it, but it is encouraging others to look at the options," explains Duranko. Local also aggressively recycles, utilizes biodegradable corn-based packaging when possible and composts all organic waste, which is largely used by employees or local vermiculturists.
At the St. Petersburg location, Duranko says the only changes will be more local art and local events — principle three in action — as well as fewer munchies. "There are so many great restaurants in the area, it seems silly to serve a lot of food."
Local Coffee & Tea, 330 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-551-0201.
This article appears in Jun 27 – Jul 3, 2007.