Something Kool on Main Street
Courtesy of Myspringfield.org, Metro Jacksonville highlights the newest addition to Springfield's dining scene: Kool Beans Cafe.
Sam Hunt has owned other Springfield businesses before, but his newest endeavor is by far the Koolest.
The former owner of Moe’s Tavern (now Shanty Town) says owning a bar was a great idea in theory, but not in practice. Instead, Sam had other ideas.
“I’ve always wanted to do a nice restaurant & café in the neighborhood, and I’ve always loved this building”, the longtime Springfield resident explained. “I really just wanted to do my part for the neighborhood, and I feel like this is it”.
Kool Beans Café is now open at 1610 N. Main Street, a circa 1900 original house converted into commercial space, and offers a unique mix of Mom & Pop, the deep south, and something exotic, both on the menu and on the walls.
“I took my dining experiences from 10 years in Europe and 4 in Charleston, South Carolina and put them into this restaurant. I wanted to create a unique ambiance and interesting setting with character, while offering quality, homemade meals at reasonable prices. That’s the slogan - We don’t fake it, we bake it”.
One third classic coffee shop featuring locally brewed Condaxis coffee & tea products, one third down home casual fare with thick-cut ham & cheese paninis and chicken salad sandwiches, and one third authentic Italian cuisine with dishes like spicy penne all’ arrabiata and the ever-popular pasta ala carbonara, the menu is diverse. And that’s how Sam likes it.
“I really thought I’d just do Italian meals and wine in the evenings, but the more I listened to the wants of the neighborhood, I realized that breakfast and lunch were a need too. I want have something for everyone, so not only to we offer hot soups and salads, but also home baked goods, beer and wine, and Yoohoos too.”
If there’s a fourth note to Kool Beans, it’s the eclectic mix of décor, where you’ll find an a collection of paintings Sam has acquired through the years, along with a variety of curious antiques collected during his travels. Homey and warm, there’s back patio garden seating too.
Future plans include front landscaping and fountain, and eventually an expanded deck in the rear of the building.
Kool Beans Café provides Wi-Fi and is open Monday through Saturday, for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evenings. Check their Facebook page for specials and other details.
In the meantime, take a tour of the cafe and menu . . .
Article by Bill Hoff at www.myspringfield.org
The former owner of Moe’s Tavern (now Shanty Town) says owning a bar was a great idea in theory, but not in practice. Instead, Sam had other ideas.
“I’ve always wanted to do a nice restaurant & café in the neighborhood, and I’ve always loved this building”, the longtime Springfield resident explained. “I really just wanted to do my part for the neighborhood, and I feel like this is it”.
Kool Beans Café is now open at 1610 N. Main Street, a circa 1900 original house converted into commercial space, and offers a unique mix of Mom & Pop, the deep south, and something exotic, both on the menu and on the walls.
“I took my dining experiences from 10 years in Europe and 4 in Charleston, South Carolina and put them into this restaurant. I wanted to create a unique ambiance and interesting setting with character, while offering quality, homemade meals at reasonable prices. That’s the slogan - We don’t fake it, we bake it”.
One third classic coffee shop featuring locally brewed Condaxis coffee & tea products, one third down home casual fare with thick-cut ham & cheese paninis and chicken salad sandwiches, and one third authentic Italian cuisine with dishes like spicy penne all’ arrabiata and the ever-popular pasta ala carbonara, the menu is diverse. And that’s how Sam likes it.
“I really thought I’d just do Italian meals and wine in the evenings, but the more I listened to the wants of the neighborhood, I realized that breakfast and lunch were a need too. I want have something for everyone, so not only to we offer hot soups and salads, but also home baked goods, beer and wine, and Yoohoos too.”
If there’s a fourth note to Kool Beans, it’s the eclectic mix of décor, where you’ll find an a collection of paintings Sam has acquired through the years, along with a variety of curious antiques collected during his travels. Homey and warm, there’s back patio garden seating too.
Future plans include front landscaping and fountain, and eventually an expanded deck in the rear of the building.
Kool Beans Café provides Wi-Fi and is open Monday through Saturday, for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evenings. Check their Facebook page for specials and other details.
In the meantime, take a tour of the cafe and menu . . .
Article by Bill Hoff at www.myspringfield.org