Serious Coffee offers seriously good times
Monday, November 2nd, 2009
It’s mid afternoon and Serious Coffee is an oasis of calm in bustling Willow Point. The funky color scheme is welcoming and the music is at a pleasant level. Chairs at the window counter provide a perfect perch for people-watching. The closed-captioned big screen tv is broadcasting a news show although on this day, customers prefer to gather in small groups and chat over a variety of beverages. It’s a place to linger and relax.
Owner Linda Riddell wouldn’t have it any other way. Open since January 2008 and currently employing 10 staff, Linda purposely chose the south end of town to locate the business.
“I love Willow Point and its village feeling,” she said.
“One Sunday afternoon I looked around the coffee shop and there was a group of knitters in one corner, a mother and son playing a board game, some people were reading while a meeting went on at a nearby table, and a few people were on their laptops enjoying the free wireless. I realized that my desire to create a neighborhood gathering place had been realized” Linda enthused, adding that “the business has become everything I’d envisioned.”
Contributing to Serious Coffee’s popularity has been the introduction of Wednesday Jam Nights and Open Mic nights on Friday. The musical community has warmly embraced both events.
Jam nights began when a few regular customers asked Linda if bringing their guitars and playing together would be okay. She was delighted to agree and happily surprised when eight people showed up on the first night.
The Open Mic night on Friday followed shortly afterwards, at the suggestion of Linda’s manager, Dana. Posters were put up in local music stores and “the first night was absolutely packed. It was phenomenal.” In fact, providing people of all ages and musical tastes a regular place to perform in a family-friendly environment has proven so popular that the original two hour time slot had to be expanded to four to accommodate all the entertainers wanting to showcase their talent.
“People are really enjoying it,” Linda said.
As a testament to how the musical community has embraced both evenings, the current sound system was financed partially through donations made by performers and their audiences.
The young people were shy at first but now they’re writing and performing their own songs on Friday nights, Linda said, adding that future plans include an additional Mic on Monday nights and possibly a night specifically for youth.
Jam nights on Wednesday are 7pm to 9pm and Friday night open Mic runs from 6pm to 10pm.
In addition to specialty tea and coffee drinks, smoothies and Italian sodas are also available. Hungry? No worries. Choose from panini sandwiches, soup, chili, meat pies, calzones, quesadillas, an all day burrito or sausage rolls. Need something on the sweet side? Try a scone, cookie, muffin or brioche, or one of their many delicious squares.
All our stores are not only Canadian owned and operated, but Vancouver Island Island owned and operated, Linda wanted us to know, and our coffee is roasted on the Island and is the best in town, Linda stated.
If you need a gift for a coffee or tea lover, you’ve come to the right place. A variety of merchandise is also available – flavored syrups to dress up your coffee at home, tea pots, chai concentrate, travel mugs, and gift cards. Don’t forget about the drive-thru when you need an anytime of the day boost.
Hours are 6am-9pm Monday through Thursday and until 10pm on Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, visit between 7am and 8pm.
Serious Coffee is located in the Village at Willow Point at 2253 South Island Highway, a couple of doors down from Discovery Foods. Dial up Linda and her staff at 250-923-1213 or check out the serious website at www.seriouscoffee.com.
By Gina Forsyth
