| Caffe, Not Coffee |
| Written by Chris Aponick |
| Monday, 15 December 2008 03:21 |
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Try launching six coffee shops simultaneously. That’s the challenge facing L’Evento Caffe as they work on opening six Omaha-area stores. The first, a full-service, walk-in shop, opened at 71st and Pacific streets in May. Three other walk-in locations and two drive-through kiosks are slated to open within the next month, according to Adrian Suarez, marketing director for the Omaha-based chain. The chain is owned by Jaime Suarez and his two sons, who also operate several Omaha-area Subway and Taco del Mar restaurants. The trio was planning to expand into coffee, and the move was accelerated with the closing of Caribou Coffee. “We had been looking for something new,” Adrian Suarez said. “We took it as a sign.” Locations are planned for 176th and Center, 158th and Maple, 141st and Q, 126th and Giles in Sarpy County and 84th and Washington in Papillion. The owners are banking on L’Evento’s Italian concept to draw customers. The two main espresso types offer a good variety, Suarez said. The American-style has a bold flavor, with a smooth finish. The premium espresso is a European-style shot. It’s smoother with a light, citrus taste. “It gives a nice twist to your regular drink,” he said. The espressos are as close as possible to being Italian made without being in Italy, he said. The La Cimbali espresso machines at all L’Evento locations are manufactured and widely used in Italy. L’Evento is also trying to be as environmentally conscious as possible, Suarez said. Sleeves that go around the shop’s paper cups are made entirely from recycled material. The cups are made from a mixture of traditional paper pulp, bamboo and sugarcane. The chain took about four months developing their own blends for brewed coffee and espresso drinks. Suarez said they try to buy beans certified to have the fewest defects per pound. L’Evento plans to offer Fair Trade coffees and all-organic selections. L’Evento will emphasize beans sourced from smaller farms and beans recognized for excellence, specifically from the Cup of Excellence jury competition held annually in several coffee-growing countries. Suarez says the costlier coffees are worthwhile. “We don’t mind paying that extra premium for that,” Suarez said. “If it’s available, why not use it?” The owners decided to take on an Italian concept for the coffee houses with an eye to offering light meals and snacks. Currently, L’Evento is working on a commercial kitchen and hiring an executive chef to spearhead dessert/pastry offerings and their breakfast/lunch deli options. Suarex said L’Evento funnels 1 percent of its sales to a foundation that will donate money to charities that service homeless and very low-income people. L’Evento also asks its vendors to donate 1 percent of all its invoices to that foundation. So far, all vendors have agreed. According to Suarez, the shops are aiming to be clean, uncluttered spaces that make it easy for customers to come in and add their own vibe to the space. “You can spend all afternoon here or five minutes,” he said. “We want everyone to come in and enjoy the coffee.” |