Seems like every few years there's a big food retail explosion. Whether it's new bar and grills jockeying for position (see Union/Beachside Bar and Grill/Lumberyard Tavern/Moonlight Lounge) or wine bars being a big trend a few years ago, we seem to be coming up on another battle: Coffee. Sure the Starbucks trend of the 90's was insane (Encinitas alone has 7 with an 8th on La Costa Avenue/El Camino Real). But coffee done right is a good experience (see Pannikin/E Street Cafe/Surfdog's Java Hut)- relaxing atmosphere, good conversation, and a cup of mud you can't put down. So this new renaissance could be a welcome addition to the area if planned properly. Up on the radar this fall is 3 new establishments.
First up, The Lofty Bean at the somewhat new 'Lofts' development across from Encinitas Surfboards. Run by a local family, the idea behind The Lofty Bean is 'Good coffee, made by good people, that's good for the earth'. It's a fully sustainable, organic coffee bar with a good little food menu too- oatmeal, yogurt/berries, bagel, panini's, salads, etc. Just enough to fill the tummy and get a jolt of joe at the same time. Check 'em out the next time you're near downtown Encinitas.
I had a sneak peak last week while me and the groms picked up some of Tom's Leucadia Donuts (that's a story for another time) and JP's place looks to be almost done. With the former parking lot out front now a casual patio, it's going to get a lot of use. Unfortunately by people who may hang all day (like myself).
And lastly (but not least in morning commuter's eyes) is the impending Starbucks at the northwest corner of I-5 and Leucadia Blvd (across from the Shell station and where Texaco used to stand. "What's that petrol taste in my frappuccino?" Just kidding). Now do we really need a 9th Starbucks in the area? Depends who you ask. Let's look at the facts first: Right now the lot is fenced off, has a fading 'for lease sign', is full of weeds, and is a magnet for trash. And did I mention it sits on an old gas station site- probably not the cleanest land. So something needs to be done- especially in a down economy. Whether or not Starbucks is the answer, who knows. BUT... the rumor is that it's going to be a drive through Starbucks which will get a lot of business, bring some revenue to the area, and add a few jobs. Also, a drive through Starbucks is a different clientele than the coffee house crowd so I don't think they'll compete with Pannikin/Lofty Bean/Coffee Coffee. The group in charge of the site- Epsteeen and Associates- is also advertising additional space on the site for lease which means there may be a couple more retail spaces going in. It's not a big lot so I don't think it's going to be fast food- but we'll have to wait and see I guess when it's finally leased. The lot still looks pretty quiet so I don't think Starbucks will be up and running anytime soon (I think the Starbucks rumor on this same lot actually started back in '08) but once they start digging it will only take them a couple months to serve that first Venti.
And of special note is the Moonlight Beach Concession Stand- one of my wife's favorite cups of coffee while the groms run loose on the playground on Sunday mornings. Run by another local family (the Owens family), there will be some development going on soon at Moonlight. New concession stand, restrooms, and finally a new lifeguard tower. Built back in 1906- not really but it looks like it- the saltwater and elements have taken their toll on the buildings down there. And since Moonlight is a cornerstone of Encinitas, the city has chosen to spend a little money on it's upkeep. Slated for remodel in the dead of winter, look for it to be up and running towards spring '12. Make sure to give them your business the next time you're down there for some barrels at D Street.
