Main Street's popular Coffee Bean Caf?(c) will reopen with a new image and new name Tuesday after closing the past few weeks for renovations.
The caf?(c), which was known for its New Orleans-style breakfasts and live music at night, will no longer cater to coffee-lovers hoping to get in some studying and a quick caffeine fix.
The new Shango New Orleans Bistro and Wine Barn will be more of a restaurant-style eatery, with a classier atmosphere, said caf?(c) manager Susan Pietkiewicz. Caf?(c) owners got a state liquor license, so Shango will serve alcoholic beverages for the first time.
"This is not a come-in-and-sit-at-a-computer business anymore," Pietkiewicz said. "The style of the place is going a different direction."
A few months ago the bare walls and wood furniture echoed the muted colors that created an open, mellow, minimalist atmosphere. Now the vibe is completely different with exposed brick and bright New Orleans multicolors, which is supposed to give the caf?(c) a more inviting tone, Pietkiewicz said.
"The restaurant is geared more toward a diner than a coffee shop now," she said.
Chris Vavrina, the owner of University Hots, a new Heights restaurant across Main Street from the caf?(c), said he's been a frequent visitor at the Coffee Bean Caf?(c) and was a fan of the old coffee shop style.
"I hope they don't change their atmosphere too much," Vavrina said. "I love all of it. I love their style."
Many students said they couldn't wait for the re-opening of the popular Main Street hangout. Liz Holloway, a sophomore psychology major, said she hopes they add some color to the place.
"The walls were so drab before," Holloway said.
Coffee Bean Caf?(c)'s owners said they are aware these renovations will completely change the atmosphere, but think it's a step in the right direction.
The menu is also getting a makeover, along with the d?(c)cor. The old menu, which reflected the influence of several cultures, will now focus mainly on Creole-style food.
Employees said the menu has been slowly changing over the years from typical coffee shop food to a New Orleans flavor.
The majority of the menu will remain the same, Pietkiewicz said, including their dessert menu and famous "Banana Foster."
One definite change to their menu, however, is the upheaval of coffee grounds and tea bags in favor of a new liquor license.
Many of the restaurants in the South Campus area, including Amy's Place, University Hots and Ming Tea Caf?(c), said they agree bringing in another restaurant-style eatery would be good for everyone's business.
"I don't know of another New Orleans style restaurant around here," Holloway said. "That will be great for the area."
The owners of the local eateries said they feel the threat of competition is slim between themselves. Since the menu for each restaurant is so different, the success of each business will only help the others.
Helen Lam, owner of Ming Tea Caf?(c), said she's excited for the new Shango New Orleans Bistro.
"This business will be great by keeping the streets more busy with more selections," Lam said.
Amy's Place owner Greg Kempf said he thought the changes will mean more success for the old Coffee Bean Caf?(c).
"This will be really good for the neighborhood," he said. "I think they will do well."
Lauren Gibbons, a sophomore communication major, also said she's looking forward to a change in her usual restaurant route.
"I live right in that area and used to go to the Coffee Bean Caf?(c) all the time," she said. "I was glad to see that it was being renovated though. Change is good."
With Shango set to open Tuesday, Pietkiewicz said they're hoping for a good turnout on opening day.
"We reopen our doors on Fat Tuesday," she said. "So celebrate your Mardi Gras New Orleans style at Shango."
