The storefront blends in with the surrounding buildings, modeled in the brick and mortar style of an earlier day. Perhaps the table and chairs visible through the front window beckons the passerby to enter. Maybe the fragrance of roasting coffee beans paints an aura of welcome.
The Coffee Company, 6038 La Vista at Skillman Avenue in Dallas, has provided gourmet coffee taste decades before Starbucks became a buzz word and sidewalk seating was “discovered” in recent establishments.
This little shop of delights is a community within the community of Old East Dallas, a place where people stop in to chat, cups of freshly brewed coffee in their hands, or to read a newspaper as they relax. A first-time visitor is greeted with smiles and interest from those who frequent the premises, drawn to return, but not solely for the coffee, the tea, or the many other surprises.
Walls are lined with boxes of cookies and crackers not found in other stores. Jars of jams nestle into the displays of glazes, sauces, and condiments, and present rare and refreshing accents to any meal. The array of cheeses and fresh vegetables are selected for the taste remembered from Grandma’s table, a flourish of variety throughout the seasons.
There is a brightly lit showcase that doubles as the front counter, with an array of candy, truffles and savory chocolates, perfect for soothing the frantic pace of any day. Carafes, tea pots, and coffee makers are joined on the shelves by hand-painted mugs and bowls for the animal lover to peruse. “Ruffles” and “Rover” are welcome to come in and select their own.
A special treat is to wander through the door to find Mother watching over her creation as her family continues the tradition. This cozy gathering place began in the Quadrangle in the 1970‘s, where Mary and her husband, Joe, lined the walls with wooden kegs to hold their fresh steaming coffee beans. These little round bins, flavored through the years by the treasures they’ve held, still greet their faithful customers, the names of the coffees printed boldly on the front.
The Coffee Company is not simply a store for coffee and tea. The Coffee Company is a haven for people. Wander in. You’ll be welcomed.
Written and submitted by Blue Ribbon News special contributor Wyndi Warren of Dallas, author of “Angel with Tail,” who enjoys sharing stories about our hometown.
Read about “Angel with a Tail” here.
To submit your news and events or restaurant reviews, email editor@BlueRibbonNews.com.
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