Chances are you've heard the saying "location, location, location" used when describing what makes real estate desirable or a business successful. Laura Cavey, owner of Cool Beans Cafe, certainly knows how fortunate she is to have what most would consider to be the premier business location on the square. Her coffee shop sits at the northwest corner of Medina's beautiful and historic downtown square where North Court and West Liberty intersect.
"Yeah, I do think it's the best spot on the square," she agreed when I told her my thoughts on Cool Beans' location.
Laura bought Cool Beans in 2010 and brought her vision and enthusiasm along to a spot that had housed various coffee shops since 1994. Originally, Bill Lamb, former Mayor of Medina and current city council member, opened his coffee shop under a different name in the same spot. Ownership changed hands a couple of times after that, but since Laura came on the scene 11 years ago, she has grown the business considerably and has no plans of slowing down anytime soon. In fact, there may be another Cool Beans Cafe coming in the near future for Medina County residents to enjoy (but let's save that story for another issue).
As the name would suggest, Cool Beans Cafe also offers a delicious food menu with breakfast items and other sandwiches and paninis that are great for lunch and dinner as well. Their most popular food item is their cranberry chicken salad, which can be served as a wrap, a sandwich, on a salad or simply by itself. On her drink menu, you will find long-time favorites such as The Suzi Q – named after a former employee – and the many different versions of their top-selling mocha.
"Not many places can offer 35 flavors, six of which are sugar-free, to add to their coffee drinks," she says. "We also offer alternative kinds of milk such as oat milk, coconut milk and soy milk."
Laura likes to have fun with her business and she features a special weekly menu that often reflects current events, both locally and nationally. The weekly menus can coincide with the seasons or big events that are of interest to her customers. In August there was the "Back To School" menu and more recently there was the "Jeopardy" menu in honor of Medina native Matt Amodio, who has made Jeopardy history with his long winning streak and large cash total. Coming later this month Laura will feature a "Hocus Pocus" menu that coincides with activities in the square, tied together with cooking classes and cookie decorating in her activity room.
To learn more about Cool Beans Cafe's menu items and special events, please visit Facebook.com/CoolBeansCafe. Or better yet, visit them at 103 West Liberty Street!
