Phoenix Coffee, a popular independent brand known for advancing coffee culture in Northeast Ohio over the past few decades, is opening a cafe in Ohio City. The new Phoenix will be housed at 3000 Bridge Avenue, in the former West Side Community House, which is being renovated into 21 apartments.

Coffee Director Christopher Feran says the location appealed to Phoenix because of the vibrancy of Ohio City, the area's artisan food culture and the developers' vision for the property. Ohio City resident Damon Taseff and Bluewater Capital Partners are renovating the building into a showcase of bike-friendly living.

"We've been pretty involved in the bike community, and it's in our mission to promote sustainability and sustainable causes," says Feran. Additionally, the firm's owners liked the idea of having a coffee shop that is nestled within a community, slightly off the main commercial district on W. 25th Street.

The 1,000-square-foot shop, which Feran hopes will open this summer, will have about 35 seats and a dedicated patio. The entrance will be located on Bridge, and bike and car parking will be available in an adjacent lot and on the street. The cafe will focus on artisan coffee and tea and offer pastries from Bonbon Cafe.

Although details are still being worked out, Feran says the new Phoenix will have its own distinct feel. "We’ve intentionally made it so that each one of our cafes has a little bit of a different vibe. It will have a warmer, more inviting atmosphere. We've created a concept that's pretty special, that will transport people out of their daily lives, into a space that makes them feel more present in the moment."

Feran is especially excited about the momentum that's building behind Cleveland's coffee culture. "We’ve been trying to build coffee culture in Cleveland for a long time," he says. "It's starting to feel like it’s alive, like it’s here. There are whispers in the industry that Cleveland is an up and coming town for coffee. We're excited to show that you can have two roasters within a mile and thrive."

The other Ohio City roaster that Feran is referring to is Rising Star, which recently announced plans to open an east side location in Little Italy.

Source: Christopher Feran
Writer: Lee Chilcote