Spill The Beans

Quick Update

2010-08-11T09:49:00.001-07:00

LOTS going on since last update. The best way to keep up with Square Beans news is to become a fan (or 'like') our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Collierville-TN/Square-Beans-Coffee/50558022862

New hours, new Gelato, Live Music and Open Mic nights .... check it out :)

New Organic Fairtrade coffee available now

2009-09-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

The winner of our first 'cupping' "Organic Fairtrade Peru Perunor" is now available at Square Beans Coffee.

Perunor is a very reputable exporter of the highest quality coffee from Peru. The coffee farms are located at 1250 and 1800 meters above sea level in the districts of Yamon, Cumba, and Lonya Grande in the Department of the Amazons, and in Santa Rosa's districts in the Department of Cajamaca. The best Peruvian coffees are mellow-bodied with lightly floral acidity and a crisp clean finish.

The whole bean coffee is $12.95 / pound an INCLUDES a free 16oz cup of today's brew. We will be happy to grind to coffee for you too.

In addition, we also have a fresh batch of:

French Roast Blend

Combining buttery South and Central American coffees with bright earthy coffees from the Pacific, roasted to perfection. This is absolutely the smoothest French Roast Blend you will ever sip. It will tickle your taste buds with a fruity taste, followed by a deep, rich robust middle note and ending with a clean finish. It will leave you wanting more. This coffee has a perfect balance with low acidity and less caffeine.

Guatemalan Los Volcanes

Stretching across the highlands of Guatemala near fertile volcanic soil is the SHB (strictly hard-bean) complex fruit. Strictly hard bean means that it develops more slowly and has a more complex flavor. This coffee has a slightly toasty front, with flowers, leading up to a very chocolate middle and a long sweet finish. It has a polished body and lively acidity.

Sumatra Mandheling

This is a treasured Indonesian coffee known for its exceptionally complex flavors of tobacco, liquors and earth. It has a perfect syrupiness with a light body. The coffee is sun-dried on drying patios; this solar method preserves the interior fruit sugars.

Tanzania Ruvuma

This is a bright cup from the largest coffee producing part of the country and is grown in rich volcanic soil. First comes the aroma of orange zest, followed by a malty caramel like flavor that lingers for a long time. Syrup and butter finish this excellent cup. One of Walt's all time favorites!

Memphis Mayoral Debate 2009

2009-08-28T13:12:00.000-07:00

Memphis' mayor Willie Herrenton recently resigned his position, requiring a special election for new mayor. WMC TV Action News 5 televised a live debate at Opera Memphis on August 27, 2009 bewteen 9 of the candidates: Charles Carpenter, Carol Chumney, Wanda Halbert, Robert Hodges (Prince Mongo), Jerry (the King) Lawler, Myron Lowery, Sharon Webb, Rev. Kenneth Whalum, Jr. and A C Wharton.

Here is a link to the complete videos:

http://www.wmctv.com/Global/category.asp?C=173922&nav=menu59_1_8

As a public service, I have compiled my own wrap up of the event. All text is taken verbatum (you cant make this stuff up!)

Opera Memphis
Ursula
Joe
I (blink) wasnt (blink) liked (blink)
Entrepenuals
Get nekked
Wendy cracks up
What I want to bring to the Mayor's office is .. time sir
No. Is dat one a doze yes no questions?
Drug test
30 (blink) police (blink) off (blink) i (blink) cers (blink)
Bust a Move Monday
What the hell you need to feed the homeless!
Pro Bass aint comin here!
Free trolleys
Simply been phenominal
Cyberwatch
Tear down the pyramid
589 million homes
Nobody would buy bonds from the City, I wouldnt if they were free
Ms Chumney yes or no?, (blink)(blink)
Issue all the citizens an Uzzi!
Care to explain what happened with the two female visitors in you church? Absolutely Positively NOT!
You mean school funding? Oh yes we need money to educate our children
I'm the only one that makes sense because I know I'm right.
Momma, papa rats and baby rats
Johnathan cracks up
Go to church and say your prayers and stop stealing all this money from the government!
Thank you sir, time sir, thank you.
Elvis island.
Talented workforce.
What would you do to restore hours at city owned golf courses? That's (blink) critical (blink). You don’t just popup while the cameras are there. At least (blink) you (...blink) pop (blink) up.
I cant answer that ridiculous question
There’s (blink) not going (blink) to be a (blink) backroom (blink) deal at (blink) La Chardonnay (blink)(blink).
I hate religion, I hate religion.
Tapioca on the ballot.
These people don’t care about your money.
We need to take all these political turds and put em in a toilet and flush em out!
I’d rather invest my money with Saddam Hussein in the grave!
They view Memphis as a poor southern hick town, suburbia wants Memphis to fail.
Using the N word.
Would you drive home a city owned vehicle? Yes!
I want three of them and six bodyguards.
I ride home in a city owned vehicle, I don’t drive it.
Back to reality.
Ms Webb, name TWO ways you can make Memphis a better city. I can educate our children in excellence and, um, what? I don’t know, ha ha, thank you.
Music, Martin Luther King and Memphians.
What would you do to reduce blight? I could answer that quickly but … Post Employment Issues … Nashville’s sewer rates … My times up?
You’re a crafty guy.
Fred Smith,... Fedex, music.
They need to put comic books in there and video games.
Build a new library at the Penal farm not where you get robbed when you go in that library on poplar.
Cut out positions created for friends and family.
We shut down the archives office.
Exempt cars 2 years old or less? 2 years or Less? In other words newer cars.
No (blink) and I (blink) will (blink) continu.e to (blink) take my (blink) car (blink) through (blink) every (blink) ye…thank you Ms Chumny.
Goodnight.

Fresh Coffee By The Pound

2009-07-30T14:13:00.000-07:00

These one pound bags of fresh whole bean coffees have just arrived from our roaster:

Nicaraguan Matagalpa Jinotega
This fabulous coffee comes from high elevations in Jinotego. Grown in lush Orchid shade canopy this coffee hits your palate with a roasted-cashew brittle, thick sweet syrupy body and a big nose of infused fruits.

Mexican Pluma Tres Oros
Tres Oros means three Golds. High Grown coffee stays on the plant for longer and yields a more flavorful cherry. This Mexican coffee is light and smooth, with notes of bittersweet cocoa with light floral highlights. Velvety smooth body and with low acidity.

Guatemalan Los Volcanes
Stretching across the highlands of Guatemala near fertile volcanic soil is the SHB (strictly hard-bean) complex fruit. Strictly hard bean means that it develops more slowly and has a more complex flavor. This coffee has a slightly toasty front, with flowers, leading up to a very chocolate middle and a long sweet finish. It has a polished body and lively acidity.

Costa Rica Monte Cristol
Strictly Hard bean coffee is a harder bean, which carries more flavor characteristics. From the Western valley of Costa Rica this shade grown coffee is grown under lush dense forest trees, and thrives in rich, dark volcanic soil. Very sweet spicy in the nose, subtle fruits and classic typical wine-like tastes accompany this vibrant bold bodied coffee.

Rwanda Bourbon
Grown in the country’s prime coffee growing region with ample rainfall and perfect climate, this is a very fragrant coffee with a slight peppery aroma. It is quite full bodied with a smooth acidity.

Full one pound bags of whole bean coffee (we are happy to grind it for you) are available for $12.95 and, for a limited time, include a FREE cup of todays brewed coffee!

Remember, these beans a just a few days out of the roaster and will go fast. Who knows when that grocery store (and the name brand coffeehouse) coffee was roasted? Most likely months ago.

Fresh Coffee

2009-07-30T07:52:00.000-07:00

Just arrived fresh from our roaster:

Columbian Huila Valencia - Huila is the land of the small farmer in the far southeastern tip of Colombian. These are smaller farms producing shade grown coffees, using coffee pulp for composting and a sun drying process. Classic Colombian hallmark taste- mild tangerine nuances, with milk chocolate- buttery finish. Available in Full City or Dark Roast.

Rwanda Bourbon - Grown in the country’s prime coffee growing region with ample rainfall and perfect climate, this is a very fragrant coffee with a slight peppery aroma. It is quite full bodied with a smooth acidity.

Come try our latest single origin premium estate coffees! Only $1.85 for 16 oz of fresh brewed delight.

July 2009 Newsletter Available:

2009-07-13T08:22:00.000-07:00

http://www.eliteemail.com/emview.cgi?c=75683&b=TN/830950&u=94478265&ticket=53616c7465645f5f7a0e15c1b8ad242546ef51ae5889f4e546193e5c2241e6d423060934116d73fbf6dbca20977d730f

7 layer cheesecake

2009-05-29T07:54:00.003-07:00

I just realized our triple layer cheesecake really has 7 layers! Chocolate cookie, chocolate cheesecake, white chocolate mouse with chocolate chips, chocolate ganache, swirled chocolate chips, whipped cream and dark chocolate drizzle. Chocolate heaven for only 3.95. Can you handle it?

7 layer cheesecake

2009-05-29T07:54:00.001-07:00

Just realized our triple layer cheesecake really has 7 layers! Chocolate cookie, chocolate cheesecake, white chocolate mouse with chocolate chips, chocolate ganache, swirled chocolate chips, whipped cream and dark chocolate drizzle. Chocolate heaven for only 3.95. Can you handle it?

Benefit Concert

2009-05-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

Friday May 15, 2009:
El Mexico Mission Benefit

This benefit is being held to raise money for Logan Walker's upcoming mission trip to Mexico.

Free Admission, WITH DONATIONS TAKEN AT THE DOOR. 10% OF ALL PROFITS FROM SALES WILL ALSO BE DONATED.

Featuring the acoustic offerings of Easy Company, playing with special guest (on the drums!) Joseph "J-Bear" Barrios. Michael Cooper and friends.

Square Beans Coffee is a really nifty and relaxing place located on the lovely and historic Collierville Town Square, and they serve some of the tastiest treats anywhere! Come out to help benefit a great cause and have some fun!

May Newsletter Available

2009-05-12T19:42:00.000-07:00

Click here to view

Square Beans in another Video

2009-03-10T20:37:00.000-07:00

Here's a cute video featuring Square Beans. It was produced by Mickey Hutson and his students at Collierville High School as well as Mark Heuberger and the Town of Collierville.

New Slideshow

2009-03-10T14:24:00.001-07:00

Quicky Slideshow of Square Beans

Relay 4 Life Acoustic Show - HERE!

2009-02-21T13:00:00.000-08:00

Start your spring break off right, and come out to Square Beans [on the Square] for some awesome music, awesome people, awesome coffee, and an even greater cause.

Performing [in no particular order]:

Nonconnah: Face blowing rock-and-roll music with a soft side. And maybe a little bit of country-techno. Check Nonconnah out here to hear some of their stuff.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=52795798394&ref=ts#/pages/NONCONNAH/48592791633?ref=ts

Jacob Bennett

Brandon Kelly

Joseph Barrios

Weston Hall: acoustic/folk
myspace.com/westonhallplaysguitar

There won't be any admission, but we will be taking donations to support Relay for Life, a massive fundraiser for cancer cure research

What's a Square Bean? Part I

2009-02-20T07:53:00.000-08:00

Just what is a Square Bean? We'll you have probably guessed (or been told) the play on words (we sell coffee BEANS and we are on the town SQUARE so...) but maybe you haven't thought about what REALLY makes Square Beans Coffee Company so special. In the next few blogs, I hope to enlighten existing customers and inspire new ones to discover or rediscover an experience that we think is pretty special.

What is it that a lcoal coffee shop really has to offer? Sure we exist to sell coffee and support our family but I truely believe that our real business is making people happy. Thats it. Just a little something to perk up your day, stimulate your senses and maybe your mind.

Sometimes, you just want to grab a fresh brewed black coffee or a skinny vanilla latte on the way to work in the morning and thats OK too.

But it's also about that little luxury that blurs the line of needing and wanting. It's about the coffee shop atmosphere.

The smell of fresh baked oatmeal cookies (nothing like it), the warmth of the fireplace (ok its electric but it looks like the real thing and does give of some heat). It's Kelli smile behind the counter as she whips up your own special concoction known only to you and her. It's Fresh chocolate filled belgian croissants, a hearty homemade quiche, Shelby's lemon poppy seed muffins drizzled with vanilla icing or a juicy slice of Sugaree's strawberry cake. It's coffee grinding and milk frothing in the background mixed with sweet jazz music. It's folks plugging in their laptops and enjoying free WIFI with their cappucino.

It's a place to get away from home or the office for a while. It's a place to go alone and read in an a big overstuffed leather chair by the window (in the glow of a leg lamp of course! - It's a major prize you know!) Maybe with a mocha or chai. It's a place to meet friends, coworkers, business associates, family maybe even a date.

It's fun and relaxing and you may actualy meet some one new. Yes. Real live face to face interaction! You just cant have the same experience over email, iPhone or facebook. visiting over a cup of well made coffee beats them all hands down.

So yes, Square Beans does sell great coffee but don't miss the point of what it really means to be a Square Bean.

The Harrell Theatre Presents: To Kill A Mockingbird

2009-02-13T10:43:00.000-08:00

From the 1960’s novel by Harper Lee, this drama is a change of direction from our more familiar musical productions for which we have become known and for which we have garnered recent Ostrander Awards.

Set in a time period most people have only read about, this theme will be enlightening to produce. In Maycomb, Alabama in 1935, a young Scout Finch lives with her father, Atticus Finch, an attorney, and her older brother Jem. Things become tumultuous in Maycomb as Tom Robinson, a black man, is accused of raping a white woman, Mayella. Atticus is asked to represent him and accepts, knowing that that decision will likely make him and his family unpopular in town. Meanwhile Scout, Jem and a summer friend, Dill, quickly forge a bond over one of the neighborhood legends –Boo Radley. Jem and Scout have never seen Boo, though they’ve grown up hearing about him and his captivity in a house down the street. The children become obsessed with the idea of making Boo Radley come out.
As the trial moves ahead, the town’s emotions run high, mobs gather and friendships are tried. The trial begins, and it becomes clear that Tom could not have raped Mayella. However, the jury is made up of all white males, and they convict Tom. With the conviction comes more heartache for the town as innocents are sacrificed and children learn about the harsh realities of the world. To Kill a Mockingbird tells the story of one battle against prejudice that will forever change the lives of those in the town.

Opens February 19 and runs through March 1. Thursday-Saturday nights 8p, Saturday matinee on the 21st at 2:30p and Sunday matinees at 2:30p. Student, family and group discounts available! Call the Harrell Theatre 853-3228 at 440 West Powell Rd in Collierville for tickets or go to the website: www.harrelltheatre.com .

Video Testimonials

2009-02-12T11:49:00.000-08:00

Our first video testimonials! If you love Square Beans, here's your chance to tell the world! If you would like to help us spread the word with a 10 second video, email me.

Amazingly Detailed Valentines Cookies

2009-02-11T09:52:00.000-08:00

Local baker / decorator Barb Rabinowitz has outdone herself. She has created some gorgeous sugar cookies for Valentines day. take a look at the designs and details. And they taste great! Each cookie is about 6" and sells for $3.95 WHILE THEY LAST.
(special orders for any design available)

From Food(sm)

Its a Sign - Part II

2009-02-08T17:00:00.000-08:00

The outdoor sign is complete and hung! Follow along:

Here is John Wright Hall of Copper-Hall using a plasma cutter to cut the design that I traced onto the metal:

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

John watches as Brad Arnold takes his turn at the torch:

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

How about a video? Steady hands John!

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

Pretty Sparks:

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

Close up of cutting the design:

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

John and Brad display the finished plate:

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

Now to grind the backside smooth:

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

1" iron is heated and bent to follow the profile of the brick on front of the building

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

Spacemen weld the iron band to the plate:

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

Closeup of the band. That's one hot joint!

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

Smokin!

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

The finished piece:

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

Welding the final piece of iron work on top of the building:

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

The bracket is afixed - (thanks to a couple of brave souls):

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

John adjusts the sign for level:

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

How's it look from down there Brad?

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

Well done guys! I highly recommend Copper-Hall if you need any kind of artistic metalwork:

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

And the final product:

From Square Beans Coffee Sign Creation

Next project????

LOVE IS GOLDEN

2009-02-08T08:47:00.000-08:00

Fewer things speak the language of love better than a song, especially when that song is being played to benefit MAGRR! On Valentine's Day, from 2-4, MAGRR Angel, Donna Wolf, will give a live musical performance at Square Beans Coffee Company. Located conveniently on the Collierville square, Square Beans features decadent coffees, sandwiches, and an array of delicious desserts. Bring your sweetheart by for a latte and a slice of strawberry cake, and allow the serene sounds of Donna's violin to romance your afternoon. Donna will donate any proceeds from her performance to MAGRR. It's a Valentine concert that truly comes from the heart!

Love is Golden

Few things speak the language of love better than a song. On Saturday, February 14, bring your Valentine to Square Beans Coffee Company, from 2-4, for a latte and a live musical performance by Donna Wolf.

The cleverly named, Square Beans, is located on Collierville's Town Square and features a wide assortment of decadent coffees and desserts. The cozy ambiance along with the soothing strings of Donna Wolf's violin, make it the perfect place to spend Valentine's Day. Even sweeter than the menu's strawberry cake, is that Donna is donating any concert proceeds to the Memphis Area Golden Retriever Rescue. [MAGRR]

Apart from being a skilled violinist, Donna Wolf completes a loving circle of twenty foster families for MAGRR, a non-profit organization responsible for the rescue of more than 850 Golden Retrievers since their establishment in 2001. Donna hopes her performance at Square Beans will bring in donations to support the veterinary care of these abandoned and abused animals brought in from areas of Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. While the frothy blend of cappuccino and musical romance is certainly a good reason to visit Square Beans on Valentine's Day, Donna's audience can delight in the fact that her performance truly comes from the heart.

If you would like to learn more about Memphis Area Golden Retriever Rescue visit www.magrr.org .

Further information on Square Beans Coffee Company can be found at www.squarebeans.com.

Missy and David - This weekend!

2009-01-21T11:32:00.000-08:00

Free live music Saturday January 24th, 2 PM - Missy and David

Missy and David are an acoustic/folk duo who are currently playing shows in West and Middle Tennessee. They share a diverse musical background that includes folk, alternative, southern rock, and country influences. Their show will encompass covers, some recognizable and others obscure, with a few original songs mixed in. They are currently working on their first album together, which they hope to record by August 2009.
Missy, a trained vocalist who studied music in college, sings vocals, and David, who has been playing the guitar and singing since age 8, sings vocals and plays acoustic guitar.

Michael Cooper Postponed

2009-01-15T10:35:00.001-08:00

Unfortunately Michael had to postpone his apperance for Saturday Jan 17th. We will reschedule him a soon as possible. Thanks.

January Events

2009-01-06T08:22:00.001-08:00

January is shaping up to be an active month at Square Beans. We already have music booked for the next three Saturday afternoons.

Jan 10. Kris Grauel - Piano/Vocals
Jan 17. Michael Cooper - Singer / Songwriter
Jan 24. David Allen and Missy Carignan - Acoustic duet

Follow us on twitter.com for real-time updates:

www.twitter.com/squarebeans

REWARD for Main Street Shoppers

2008-12-31T14:25:00.001-08:00

We'd like to encourage all of our readers to support local businesses. For a limited time, if you bring in your receipt from any Town Square merchant, you will receive 10% of your order at Square Beans! (Same day only). Come on down to the square and see what you've been missing!

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T14:23:00.000-08:00

We hope 2009 brings you good health, happiness, prosperity (and the occasional latte!)

Help us celebrate the new year with a couple of wonderful music events:

Joy Pierce and Jordan Stovall - THIS Friday Jan 2nd 7 - 9 PM.
Michael Cooper - Saturday Jan 17th 2 - 4 PM.

Do You Twitter?

2008-12-31T14:20:00.001-08:00

Its the latest thing. Just click on "Follow us on Twitter" below right (free signup required). Now when you check your twitter, you will see whats happening at Square Beans. I update it pretty frequently. It's a great way to meet other 'twitters' with like initerests. There are also versions of the app for your phone etc.

Its a Sign!

2008-12-15T19:56:00.000-08:00

OK so I'm not much of a blogger! I promised to update the blog with the progress of the new sign I am making. Well the sign is now complete and I'm just getting around to posting the pics. I still have to design and have the support built so we can hang it but this should get us caught up to today:

First an introduction. When we decided on the location, we knew there was an issue with the signage. As you can see from this photo, the area above the windows/awning is hidden for half the year by two large Ginko trees.

From New Sign

I like the trees especially in their fall color but they do present a problem for signage. So we decided to do what the previous proprietor did and place our signage on the two large picture windows instead.

From Square Beans Coffee Open

This idea worked pretty well and got us past our opening however, they were not very visible from a distance so the first thing we did was add the blue background color.

From Square Beans Scenes

This was better but we still received lots of comments that indicated that our shop was still not very noticeable by drivers and from pedestrians walking along the north sidewalk. Finally, I decided we need to go ahead and put a sign up over the awning. My idea was to create a wooden sign based on our logo and hang it projecting (perpendicular) from the wall so that it would be easily seen behind the trees when driving along Center street and walking along the north side of the square.

From New Sign

The next step was to get a design approved by the Historic District Commission. This is not difficult but it can be time consuming. They only meet once a month and the application has to be in a month before that. There is also a lot of detail that goes into the application and you must follow the design guidelines. Our application was approved in the meeting on September 18th. One of the stipulations in approving the design is that I have to remove one of the signs in our windows since you can only have two signs facing the street.

Time to start on building the sign. Originally, I was going to use a local sign company to build the sign but when I explained what I wanted, they said they couldn't build that kind of sign and said I'd have to find someone else so I decided to make it myself. I started by looking for the right wood. One of our customers, John Hall, suggested checking out Craig Lumber, for hardwood choices. I explained to them what I wanted to do and he suggested a piece of Japanese Poplar. It was 14" by 10' and 1 1/4" thick. They ripped it to 11" and planed it smooth for me. Next, using the blue print that was submitted to the HDC:

From New Sign

I blew it up and printed it out in multiple sheets at full size then taped the sheets together to form templates for each section of the sign.

From New Sign

Now to transfer the design to the wood. First I tried cutting out the design and tracing it but this would not work very well with the text.

From New Sign

So I tried and old trick from art school, I rubbed the back of the paper with a soft pencil (later I used black charcoal stick which worked better) and then traced over the outline when transfers the drawing to the wood. Then I went over those faint lines with pencil.

From New Sign

Then I used a jig saw to cut out each part of the sign.

From New Sign

Next I routed out he background using a small router. That went pretty smooth but I had to work very slowly and carefully to try and get the letters as smooth as possible. This took about 4 hours for both sides of all the pieces. I then went around with a small rasp and sandpaper to clean up the edges.

From New Sign

This is what the sign looked like before painting.

From New Sign

I started by painting the entire sign with a white porch paint (3 coats).

From New Sign

Then I painted the background using blue exterior paint. This was a semi-gloss and it also took 3 coats and 4 hours or so since I had to use a small brush to get right up to the text.

From New Sign

The final step in this stage was to screw the parts together. I drilled pilot holes with a special countersink bit then used 2" lifetime guarantee deck screws from both sides. I used wood putty to fill the countersink holes and painted over them. Finally, screw eyes were put in at top to hang the sign.

From New Sign

I then worked on the design for the iron work to hang it from the building. I had to get up on the roof to measure every detail of the facade.

From New Sign

I wanted to use some of the design elements from these vents on our building:

From The Square

Mainstreet Collierville's logo also uses the vent grill design so I was able to get some ideas from it. I used various bowls and glasses to draw the circular forms (for lack of a compass).

From New Sign

Oreo wants to help:

From New Sign

I used an exacto knife to cut out the design:

From New Sign

This is the final template that will be traced onto the metal piece.

From New Sign

John Wright Hall (Copper Hall Designs) will use his metal working and welding skills to cut out the bracket using a plasma cutter and outline it with 1" bar stock. I'll then paint it with black enamel and we are ready to hang it on the building. Due to the old and fragile nature of the building's brick, most of the weight will be carried by a strap over the top of the parapet. More to come...

Quick Update

2008-11-10T09:18:00.000-08:00

I know its been a while since I've updated the blog. Hopefully, you signed up for our email newsletter to keep up with whats new. If not, you can sign up on the front page of our main website. You can read about our new hours, events and new food and drinks in the latest newsletter here. I've also been busy working on a new sign for the front of the building. I'm carving it myself, and it should look really cool. I'll be posting photos and description of the build process just for fun.. - Walt

Sign up for our email newsletter!

2008-09-16T13:47:00.000-07:00

We now have an email newsletter to keep you up to date on what's happening at Square Beans. Just send us an email to subscribe@squarebeans.com. We will only send out newsletters about once a month and never give your email address to anyone else. Check out our first newsletter (with coupon) here!

Now Open 7 days / week!

2008-09-08T06:26:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder. We are now open on Mondays! Our new hours are Monday through Thursday 7 am -5 pm , Saturday 8 am - 9 pm, Sunday 9 am - 4 pm.

To our regular customers: Thank you! We appreciate your business and hope to see you soon. Please don't forget about us and help us by telling your friends, family and coworkers about us :) - Walt

New Artist! Mary Lola Scott

2008-09-02T14:23:00.000-07:00

Mary Lola Scott paints portraits, landscapes and still lifes with nail polish. It takes about 30 bottles of paint to do an average painting and no, they don't chip! Mary says, "You can't even sand off the colors." Come out and enjoy Mary's paintings!

Now open on Mondays!

2008-09-02T14:21:00.001-07:00

You voted! We listened! Square Beans Coffee will be open on Mondays beginning at 7AM on September 8. We look forward to seeing you all.

Kelli

A Change of Plans

2008-08-29T07:12:00.000-07:00

First the good news. We've gotten some press! Yesterday's Collierville Independent has a nice article about our new loyalty card program (buy five drinks, get one free).

Now the bad news. The concert that is mentioned at the end of the article has been cancelled.

But now more good news! Michael Cooper will be performing instead and it's free! Michale has played here before and was marvelous so we really look forward to having him perform again. He's also a heck of a nice guy so I hope you get to meet him tonight.

One more thing. September 1st marks our 6 month anniversary (already?). We have some exciting news and a few changes we'll announce then. Stay tuned!

August Artist: Jennifer Burford

2008-08-21T09:34:00.000-07:00

Introducing our August 2008 Artist: Jennifer McCauley Burford

Jennifer Burford an artist from Germantown, TN is a graduate of the University of Mississippi, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree specializing in Art Education. With a love of all aspects of art she became a Visual Art teacher with Shelby County Schools. She is currently teaching Art I, Art III and Advanced Placement Studio Art at Collierville High School in Tennessee.
Jennifer has been working on her own artwork for several years now. Inspired by former Gulf Coast artist, Walter Anderson she creates bold, stylized linoleum prints that are individually hand water colored. Her designs are of plants, fruits and animals. With a newfound love of chalk pastels and Acrylics, Jennifer is also a landscape artist. Using bold color and strokes she works to create excitement in nature.
With balancing busy schedules of teacher, wife, mother of twins, and artist, Jennifer has teamed up with friend and fellow art teacher Annette Miller Smythe to encourage each other and help promote their artwork. In 2003 “Two Toads” was developed as their artistic business. “Two Toads” annually participate in the Double Decker Festival in Oxford, Ms.
Just a few of Jennifer's accomplishments include participation in The Tennessee Arts Academy, Agnes Scott College Advanced Placement Training for Studio Art, Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts- Outstanding Teacher Award, Who’s Who Among Americas Teachers, chosen as the Rotary Club Teacher of the Month for the month of March 2007 and most recently she was selected as Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction for excellence in teaching from the National Society of High School Scholars. Her Artwork has been selected to hang in local juried art shows such as the MGAL Autumn Show and WTAEA Teacher Art Exhibit.

Square Beans Mentioned On Good Morning Memphis

2008-08-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

The Fox 13 news crew came out to Collierville's town square this morning for a two hour live remote. "The Good Morning Memphis" crew of Val, Earnie, Leon, Eric and Tom interviewed local business owners (alas not me) and did a nice job promoting our towns wonderful square that we a truly proud to be a part of.

Our mayor Linda Kerley was nice enough to acknowledge our coffee donation and point out Square Beans Coffee on the air. Thanks your honor! See her interview here:

Good Morning Memphis - Mayor Kerely

More of the broadcast can be found here:

Good Morning Memphis at the Collierville Town Square

There's lots of great reasons to visit the square including LIVE MUSIC tonight, Saturday and Saturday night. See www.squarebeans.com and click on Events for details!

New Educator Discount!

2008-08-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

Print this coupon and bring it in for your discount!

Live music and more

2008-07-23T08:31:00.000-07:00

More live music in and around Square Beans this week than you can shake a stir stick at!

Come early on Thursday before the Sunset on the Square concert and cool off with a ice cold smoothie or Blenz and watch the classic movie "Out-of-Towners" on the flat screen. (1970) A man's New York job interview turns into a non-stop nightmare. Cast: Jack Lemmon, Sandy Dennis, Anne Meara. Dir: Arthur Hiller. C-97 mins, TV-14. (5:00 pm) more...

Mainstreet Collierville's Sunset on the Square continues Thursday night with "The Bouffants". Classic Rock of 60's & 70's. ALSO CLASSIC CAR NIGHT. (7:00 pm). more...

Then Friday night, Square Beans Coffee presents "Short in the Sleeve". Enjoy the musical stylings of Short in the Sleeve (Jason Middlekauff, Chris Mirante, Jon Schallert, and Will Deshazo) while sipping one (or several) of Square Beans' tasty beverages. (7:00 pm)

Saturday afternoon come and relax over a cup or your favorite beverage and Todd Chappel's ambient creations "The Ideal Setback" (3:30 pm)
more...

Live Music @ Square Beans Coffee

2008-07-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

Live ● Love ● Latte

LIVE MUSIC
Time: 6:00
Date: Friday, 07/18/08
Square Beans Coffee
103 N. Center St.
Collierville, TN 38017
901.854.8855

JOEY FARR
performing
ORIGINAL ROCK
Rare SOLO performance by Joey Farr, lead singer for The Trip Seven Band!

www.reverbnation.com/joeyfarr
www.myspace.com/tripsevenband

Interested in booking a show: info@squarebeans.com

Visit our website for upcoming events: www.squarebeans.com

Square Beans Coffee is located on the Historic Town Square next door to Hewlett & Dunn.
Mention this Blog Spot for $1.00 off your total order on Friday, July 18, 2008.

Nice Article in Today's Commerical Appeal

2008-07-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

Thanks to reporter Don Wade for writing a nice article in todays paper. Our friend at Main Street Collierville Laura Todd discusses the square and her background. Kelli is quoted as well.

Main Street Has Charms Out Window
P.S. Please take our new poll ->

This week's live music schedule

2008-07-14T06:53:00.000-07:00

Great music in the air this week. You need to be here! NO COVER.

Thursday 7PM. "Clever Medicine": Contemporary Rock and Roll at the gazebo.

www.myspace.com/clevermedicine
Band Members Gerard Jones - Guitars and Vocals -- Jeff Ammon - Guitars, Keys and Vocals -- Bobby Tubbs - Bass -- Rudy Martin - Drums and Vocals -- and Kristi Cooper - Lead Vocals.

Friday 7PM. "Joey Farr" (Tentative) inside Square Beans.

Saturday 2 PM: "Donna Wolf"; Extraordinary Violin/Fiddle player. Inside Square beans. www.myspace.com/donnawolf

Saturday 6 PM: "Christopher Shaw" - Original music. Inside Square Beans.

Live Music Returns!

2008-07-09T08:03:00.000-07:00

The square will be rocking this weekend!

Thursday 7 - 9 pm, gazebo: Brad Kessler Band

Brad Kessler - lead Vocals & guitar
Matt Karner - bass & backup vocals
Jesse Steward - drums & backup vocals

Brad Kessler has co-written a jingle for Chili’s restaurant chain as part of the "Baby Back Ribs" campaign. He was a Memphis finalist in Nashville Star and received 2nd place in the Orpheum Star Search in 2005. Other awards include a 2nd place win in the 2003 Mid-South Fair Youth Talent Competition and consecutive trips to the Mississippi State Finals of the Colgate Country Showdown in 2005 and 2006. Brad Kessler is the Official Band of the Young and Elder morning show on KIX106.

http://www.myspace.com/thebradkesslerband

Friday 7 - 9 pm Square Beans Coffee - Joseph Barrios

Joseph, a Collierville Resident, makes his 3rd appearance at Square Beans and is one of our favorite performers. This young man is VERY talented. He writes and performs his own material too!

Saturday 8 - 9pm Square Beans Coffee - Odd Normality

Original Rock Music.

New Artist for July

2008-07-02T06:37:00.000-07:00

We would like to welcome July's artist Isabel Ragland!. Artist Isabel Melo Ragland of the Dominican Republic started painting acrylics in 2006. Her themes include abstracts, landscapes, still life, and portraits. Her dynamic and colorful personality is clearly transferred to her canvases.

Ms. Ragland draws inspiration from her family, her surroundings, and her imagination. She is always searching for new ideas and new avenues to express her passion for painting.

Ms. Ragland has a fabulous husband Rob, and children Elliot and Sofia. Together the Ragland family has happily lived in Cordova, El Paso, and currently resides in Collierville.

Please come in and check out Isabel's work. She would love any and all comments in her journal by the TV. Thanks!

Live Music Time Again.

2008-06-23T14:52:00.000-07:00

Besides the Sunset Concert series on Thursday night, we too have live music in our shop this weekend.

First we have Donna Wolf performing TONIGHT (Thursday) at 7 PM. Donna is a wonderful violinist/fiddle player - not be be missed.

We are so happy to be welcoming back three of our favorite performers this Friday.
Nick Black, Joy Pierce And Maribeth Hoyle will perform starting at 7 PM. We have a packed house (literaly) last time these folks played everybody had a great time!

So come on out Thursday and Friday - NO Cover! But don't forget, we have some great coffee, desserts, smoothies and blenz(tm) so save room!

New favorite drink

2008-06-13T07:17:00.001-07:00

yumm, I've got a new favorite drink: "Iced Caramel Americano Con Leche" - or just "iced Coffee with milk and a shot of caramel".

1. Start with one oz of Caramel syrup.
2. Add 3 shots of King Midas espresso.
3. Add ice and stir.
4. Add just enough milk.
5. 'swirl' it a bit.

Enjoy! - Walt

Live music weekend

2008-06-13T07:09:00.000-07:00

The live music doesnt stop on Thursday nights at the square. Square Beans host's three live acts this weekend:

Friday 7 PM - Ronne Hensley returns with his powerful performance of classic soft rock tunes from the past and today.

Saturday 1 PM - Donna Wolf - Classical and Bluegrass violinist.

Saturday 7 PM - Joseph Barrios returns!

Face it. Were on Facebook!

2008-06-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

I just set up a page on Facebook. Joins us as a friend or fan and meet other Square Beans fans!

Square Beans Facebook Page.

Artist of the Month for June

2008-06-02T17:53:00.000-07:00

Artist Amy Elise Havern of Collierville, Tennessee, has always applied her unique perspective and skilled eye to photography and graphic layout and design. More recently, this mother of three meshes her talents with acrylic paint and wrap-around canvases to create a wide array of decorative paintings. Using contemporary colors and patterns, Amy Elise's whimsical word art paintings and inspirational crosses leap off dark chocolate colored canvases in deeply textured teal, lime and raspberry tones. In addition to having a Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma State University, Amy Elise has taken art classes from Sue Foell, NJ Woods, Jan Ledbetter (NWS) and Julie Healy. When she's not painting, Amy Elise is busy with her three boys, aged 13, 11 & 8, husband Chris and Cairn Terrier Murray or running a 10K or half-marathon. For more info please check out Amy's website!

Sunset on the Square Concert Series Starts June 5th

2008-05-27T07:46:00.001-07:00

The Mainstreet Collierville Sunset on the Square 2008 Summer Concert Series, starts Thursday June 5th. FREE live music entertainment at the gazebo in the historic town square park. Bring your lawn chairs and come early for some great music and fun for the whole family. This year's line up can be found here.

Don't forget, Square Beans Coffee will be open late on Thursdays during the concert season. We have a box lunch special for the concerts:

PICK a sandwich:

* Homemade Chicken Salad on Croissant
* Homemade Pimento Cheese on Multi-grain Bread
* Black Forrest Ham and Smoked Swiss with Peach Preserves on Multi-grain Bread
* Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Cream on Whole Grain White

PICK one (must be same for all):

* Chips
* Pasta Salad
* Fruit Cup
* Potato Salad
Add a second side for $1.00 per person

PICK a cookie:

* Sugar
* Oatmeal/Raisin
* Peanut Butter

What do you get?

Sandwich, choice of side, and cookie
(paper plates, napkins and utensils provided)

Feed a family of four for only $29.95++!!

Need more? $7.50++ each additional meal

Please order by 5 p.m. the day BEFORE the concert to assure availability.
Call Square Beans at 901.854.8855 and order yours today!

All prices subject to current tax rate (9.25%). Total does not include gratuity. All prices subject to change. Payment options include: VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or CASH.

New Smoothies and Ronnie Returns

2008-05-25T07:48:00.000-07:00

When the temperature goes up outside, the drinks get colder inside! We've added two new flavors to our popular 100% fruit smoothies. Mighty Mango with mango, orange, apples, banana, and a hint of lemon. Berry Blast with blackberry, raspberry, blueberry, apples and banana . Both new flavors have an antioxidant boost from vitamins A, C and E. Chill out and fell good about it!

Ronnie Hensley brings his guitar, voice and humor back this weekend for TWO shows. Friday and Saturday starting at 7:00 pm. He always gets the crowd going and everyone has a great time. Watch for show time food and drink specials too. Hope to see you there!

Live Music Weekend

2008-05-20T07:57:00.000-07:00

Ronnie Hensley was a blast this Sunday. If you missed it, you MUST come see him THIS Friday at 7 pm. He has a terrific voice and great with the crowd. Performing all your favorite classic and soft rock songs. Requests are always welcome. You need to hear this guy!

Saturday night we have a young duo that's new to Square Beans. Jordan Stoval and Greg Ammend make up "Loeb Street Duo" and promise to rock the house with some classic and new rock as well.

Sunday, Maggie and Kaci, two local talented young singers / guitarist will perform 2 PM. They played in front of our store during Fair on the Square. this time we've invited them inside - we're cool that way.

If that weren't enough, we MAY have another group sometime this weekend. Stay tuned!

More live music and new hours

2008-05-18T06:34:00.000-07:00

Our third live musics event this weekend! Ronnie Hensley will be entertaining all at 1:00 TODAY at Square Beans.

After 6 weeks of non stop working in the shop we need a break! With Mondays being the slowest day of the week for us, we have decided to close that day so that we can be with the family, get some things done a home, prepare for the week to come and come in Tuesday morning rejuvinated! We are sorry for any inconvienience.

Also, starting June 5th will be open until 9:00 on Thursdays for the Sunset On The Square music series.

Prom Night!

2008-05-14T07:45:00.000-07:00

After a disappointing rainout last weekend, the Collierville High School Prom comes to the square this Saturday night. We understand that access to the surrounding businesses (including ours) will be restricted after the prom starts. So we will stick to our normal hours of 8 am to 9 pm Saturday. Of course everyone is welcome to stop in before the prom even if you just want to 'check us out'. We hope you will be back another time if not.

Dont forget we will have live music from 6 - 8 pm!

Also note that some of the streets around the square will be blocked off so we suggest parking at the Walnut Street or Washington Street public lots.

Have fun at the party and be safe!

Live Music Saturday evening.

2008-05-14T07:35:00.000-07:00

Lee Cagle on the mountain dulcimer and Betty Dawson on the hammered dulcimer have joined forces to form the duo Butterfly Gap. Together, Lee and Betty perform a mixture of traditional folk and Celtic music.

Butterfly Gap will be performing at Square Beans Coffee this Saturday (May 17) from 6 pm to 8 pm. Please come in and enjoy this special musical treat from two very well respected performers in their genre.

Collierville High School Jazz Band

2008-05-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

This 14 piece ensemble of very talented young musicians will entertain all this Friday evening. They will perform a variety of jazz standards and we always encourage everyone to come out and support Collierville's finest local talent!

5 Local Artists Featured!

2008-05-12T06:51:00.000-07:00

Our shop is becoming a great place for local artists to display their art. Currently we have 5 people displaying their paintings or photography:

1. Katie Broer. Katie's display of Bessie Dean Parr's photos from the early 1900's has been a hit since the day we opened. Images of the town square and Collierville residents (including a cute little 4 year old Elizabeth Parr) can be seen on our wall an in Katie's book which is for sale at the counter.

2. Arunima Srivastava. Arunima is a native of India, residing in the U.S. since 1997 and Collierville resident sine 2006. With a B.S. in Geology and M.A. in Communication media for Children. She has worked in newspaper, radio, television and the film industry. She takes her inspiration from nature and her native culture for her art.

3. Shane Cato. Shane is displaying several of his photos take around the square and throughout the mid-south. We also have some great postcards of his images available for sale.

4. James Richardson. We met James at the Fair on the Square last weekend and were impressed by his large scale, colorful, nature and travel prints. He was gracious enough to allow us to hang a few in our shop (more to come). He has been photographing and writing about travel destinations for many years and has many excellent prints available on his website at www.jdrichardson.com.

5. Walt Geminn. I have some of my own favorite prints on display as well. These are some photo's taken on various outings that Kelli and I have taken over the years. They hold some great memories for me and I hope you like them as well.

Bikers with a heart! (who knew?)

2008-05-06T11:07:00.000-07:00

My friend Danny Banks visited us this weekend. He is a member of the Blues City Victory Riders. They had a booth set up at the fair to raise money for St. Judes selling Disciple's Crosses. He says their goal is to ride to St.Judes with 100 crosses and donations for the children. They are off to a great start after this weekend but could really use your help. Purchase one of the crosses (I did) or make a donation (we have forms in the shop).

Thanks.

"Tea" Shirts!

2008-05-05T20:25:00.000-07:00

We have T-Shirts! Available in Black, Brown, Blue, Pink and Lime Green. All sizes (S,M,L,XL and XXL (Black only) are now available for $12. Help show your support for Collierville's local independent coffeehouse and help us spread the word!

Fair Results

2008-05-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

WOW that was a blast! We were brewin' up a storm this weekend in the shop. Pre-planning and full staffing helped us keep up with demand. With only a few hiccups the weekend came off very well. Thank you to all who came in for a treat. Especially new customers who discovered us and, we hope, will come back for more! And a special thanks to the ladies of the 20th century club for putting on such a great event year after year.

Photo Album: http://picasaweb.google.com/wgeminn/FairOnTheSquare

Fair on the Square!

2008-04-28T12:55:00.000-07:00

This weekend. Saturday 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday 12 Pm to 5 pm. Come to the square for food, music, arts and crafts. Of course we will be open both days with all of our great food and drinks. We'll also have T-shirts available for the first time.

Fair on the Square is an annual fundraising event for charity first held in 1976 in celebration of the nation’s Bicentennial. Coordinated and sponsored by the town’s Twentieth Century Club. Offering more than 180 booths filled with crafts, foods and games.

All profits from the “Fair” are funneled back to the community and are used to support education, community life, environment and art projects.

http://www.geocities.com/faironthesquare/

Kelli's homemade white chocolate scones

2008-04-25T13:42:00.000-07:00

are soooooooooooooooo gooooooooooooooood!

Sorry. I just had one and had to tell everybody that - walt

New hours and a coffee sale

2008-04-21T07:06:00.000-07:00

We have decide to change our weekday hours a little. Monday through Thursday we will be closing at 5 Pm instead of 7. We just weren't getting enough business after 5 due to the rest of the square being closed. This gives us more time to be with our family and to prepare for the nest day. Thanks for your understanding. Now having said that, we WILL be staying open late on Thursdays in June and July for the Sunset on the Square Summer Concert Series.

Also this week, we have a special on our 'house coffee'. $2.00 off a pound of our Cafe' Las Flores, straight from the estate, Nicaraguan whole bean. We will be glad to grind it for your particular brewing method. You can read more about the coffee and estate here. You're welcome to try a sample before you buy too - just ask! - Walt

Website additions and more music!

2008-04-16T07:58:00.000-07:00

We have added two new features to our website. First an event calendar (click on "Upcoming Events" from our main page or click here). There you will be able to check out the music, art and other events coming up. The second feature is a forum where you can discuss topics related to Square Beans, Coffee, Collierville or just about anything. Just click on "Forum" on the main page or here.

On the music scene, we'd like to thank Coley & Marilyn Graves (Wildwood Express) for gracing us with their wonderful music, everyone really enjoyed that and we hope to see them back. Joseph Barrios put on a fine performance on Sunday and hopefully we'll get him and his band to come back as well.

Next up is Billy Willard on Saturday April 26th at 6PM. Billy describes himself as "kind of a folk/rock Christian singer/songwriter". He lists among his influences: Andrew Peterson, Bebo Norman, the late Rich Mullins and Caedmon's Call." We look forward to Billy and hope you will plan to be there!

Live Music Scheduled

2008-04-09T19:34:00.000-07:00

Come by the shop Saturday evening from 6 - 8PM and enjoy the music of "Wildwood Express".

Wildwood Express is a husband-wife duo from Bartlett, Tennessee. The old-time mountain and gospel music, along with the instruments they play is what makes this duo so unique. “What is that instrument called,” has been asked of them hundreds of times. They are always happy to explain how they got involved with an old-time instrument called the hammered dulcimer. Also, the clawhammer banjo is another rarely seen old-time instrument. With their Christian faith background, they especially enjoy sharing their talents by singing and playing the old-time gospel songs of yesteryear. They are available as a duo, or with a four or five-piece old-time band. If you would like them at your church, school, civic club or other functions, they can be contacted at:
Coley & Marilyn Graves
3884 Waterfall Drive
Bartlett, Tennessee 38133
Phone (901)382-1197
Email: coleygraves@comcast.net

Early Closings this Week

2008-04-05T07:50:00.001-07:00

Hello out there in Blog Land. Square Beans will be closing early (4PM) on Wednesday, April 9 and Thursday, April 10.

Wednesday we are hosting a Merchant's Association Meeting and on Thursday our daughter, Ellie, is performing in the Wizard of Oz at the Collierville High School DRACO Theatre. We'd love to see you come to support the theatre department at CHS. They always do an awesome job. This is Ellie's first ever performance. She is cast as a munchkin and a flying monkey. I always knew she was destined for greatness! :)

Thanks for everybody's support! Kelli

Final Four!

2008-04-04T14:03:00.000-07:00

The Memphis Tigers are in the NCAA Final Four (OK you already knew that). But did you know that we will be watching the game at Square Beans on our flat panel TV? So if you want to get out of the house to watch the game and you'd like to sip on a latte', cappuccino or a delicious Blenz frozen drink while doing so, then join us tomorrow (Saturday April 5th) at 5:00 pm. We'll have plenty of snacks to go around too!

Go Tigers!!

Snow Pics and Banjo Picks

2008-03-30T09:36:00.000-07:00

Well after I just wrote about spring being here, it snowed! Though it only lasted one day (as usual) I did manage to run out and capture a few images. We also had a VERY nice evening last Friday with our friends Deep Hollow providing entertainment. They are a superb local bluegrass band made up of Matt Crockett, Jason Haynes, Bobby Williams, Lee Firnelli and Steve Craig. I've posted some pictures below under "Live Music" but you really need to hear them. You can check them and other 'pickers' every Friday night here on the square and in our shop during "The Collierville Historic Town Square Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Jam" from mid-April to mid-October. For more info on Deep Hollow go to www.myspace.com/deephollow63

Clipper Ad

2008-03-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

We have an ad in this month's Clipper Magazine which goes out to over 50,000 homes in Shelby county. Hopefully this will introduce us to more folks outside the area who would enjoy our great coffee and food!

NEW ON THE MENU! delicious strawberry layer cake!

See you at the bean! - walt

Spring is in the Air

2008-03-25T07:31:00.001-07:00

Springtime is a great time to check out Square Beans Coffee. When the weather is warm, why not try our special 'BLENZ' drinks. Blended iced drinks made with or without a shot of espresso. Chill out! Or try our new Black Ice and Island Breeze iced teas.

For a lighter lunch try Kelli's famous chicken salad on croissant OR on a spring mix of green salad.

And don't forget, we are open on Sundays from 9 - 4.

See you at the bean! - walt

Second Newspaper Article and Ribbon Cutting Photos

2008-03-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

We've had our second article in the newspaper today. The Collierville Herald was gracious enough to put Michael Ward's article about us on the FRONT PAGE! yeah! Under the heading "Coffee Company Houses Town History", it talks about the history of our building and all about the concept of our shop. Thank you to Michael and Cheryl and everyone at the Herald. An online version of the article is available here (requires free website registration):

http://www.colliervilleherald.net/news.php?viewStory=135

We also had a big day yesterday with out Ribbon Cutting. We had a great turnout despite the chilly wet weather and I've posted some photos below - thanks to all that came and we hope to see you again soon!

Ribbon Cutting Scheduled

2008-03-17T09:54:00.000-07:00

Please come out for our ribbon cutting ceremony this Wednesday, March 19 at 3 PM. We will have representatives from both the Collierville Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Collierville there to help us "officially" open our shop. Refreshments served.

Photos from our first live music event

2008-03-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the band and all our guests who came out to listen! We had a great time and enjoyed hearing this band in their FIRST live perfomance. They performed several cover songs and a song they wrote themselves which was VERY good. I really encourage them to continue writing and performing. We will have them back again I'm sure. Good luck Amber and friends.See pics below:

LIVE MUSIC!

2008-03-15T09:54:00.000-07:00

We have booked our first live music act for tomorrow, Sunday March 16 at 1:00. "Tears of Deception" are an acoustic duo who perform covers as well as their own penned tunes. We support our local young talent and hope you will stop by on Sunday to listen and support them as well. Thanks - walt

Great Week and New Coffee

2008-03-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

We had a great first week and we first want to thank all the wonderful people who came in to try us. We have had nothing but compliments on our coffee, food and the shop and we appreciate that.

I also wanted to let you know that we have just recieved a fresh new batch of city roast "King Midas" espresso beans and our VERY popular Cafe' Las Flores premium coffee. Unlike the 12 oz bags available from other coffeeshops (and the grocery store) ours are 16 ounces.

We also now have a variety of unique single origin coffees from around the world. Today we are brewing a Rwanda Ingoboka. Ingoboka is named after a washing station set up near Lake Kivu in the western province of Rwanda. This coffee has a bright acidity. It is clean with notes of brown sugar, dark chocolate, cherry and ginger. The finish is sweet, with slight notes of maple syrup.

These specialty coffees are for a limited time only but if we have a good response on these, we'll order more! - Happy Sipping - Walt

Spreading The Word

2008-03-05T07:33:00.000-08:00

We've had an incredible 4 days so far and have many 'regulars' and repeat customers. We must be doing something right! If you've been in and tried our great fresh roasted Costa Rican Tarazzu coffee or Kelli's fabulous Artichoke, Goat Cheese and Olive Strata, please tell others about your experience. While we are running ads to let folks know about us, we REALLY depend on "word of mouth" to get things going. So if you like what we offer, tell you friends and neighbors. And please don’t be shy about letting any of us know where we can improve. We want to be YOUR favorite destination.

If you haven’t been in yet, come see what everybody is talking about. We are open at 7 AM Monday through Friday, 8 on Saturday and 9 on Sunday for breakfast including our homemade Quiche and Strata along with Croissants, Muffins and Cookies baked in house. Kelli makes most of the items from scratch (no cake mix boxes here!) and it really makes a difference.

The bake case always has something new to try; it could be Espresso Brownies one day, Iced Lemon Pound Cake the next. For a lighter lunch, you NEED to try our Pimento Cheese made with White Cheddar and American cheese on a Croissant or Kelli's soon-to-be-famous Roasted Chicken Salad on the Croissant or a bed of Field Greens. A side of Fresh Fruit or Hearts of Palm Salad and a Coffee, Tea or Soda you will be in Heaven. Well, maybe not Heaven but we do have a wonderful view of the Park - and that's pretty darn close!

See you soon!

P.S. If you send me an email at walt@squarebeans.com, I’ll add you to our mailing list and send you information about our newest menu items, the daily brew, upcoming events etc. I won’t flood your inbox with junk or EVER give or sell your address to anyone and if you want to be removed from the list anytime, just say so.

WOW!

2008-03-02T18:32:00.001-08:00

WOW! All we can say is THANK YOU Collierville! The response this weekend was very very good. We met so many nice folks and received so many compliments on everything from our decor to the coffee to our homemade desserts, quiche and sandwiches. We believed we had a great idea and we tried very hard to get things right. Your response tell's us that we aren't the only ones who think so. Kelli, myself and the whole family truely appreciate your business and for helping us get it started off with a bang. We hope those of you who came out this weekend enjoyed your experience and will come back often and tell all your friends and coworkers. And please tell us if there's ANYTHING we can do to improve. See you soon! Walt, Kelli, Caitlin, Shelby, Ellie, Wes and Adam.

I ASSURE YOU WE'RE OPEN!

2008-02-29T22:26:00.000-08:00

YES! Finally after months and months of hard work Square Beans Coffee Company is now officially open for business!! We finalized everything Friday with the permit and licensing process and put our finishing touches on the shop. We will have our first full day of operation today (Saturday March 1st 2008) starting at 8 AM. Kelli has been baking up a storm tonight to fill the bake case for tomorrow. PLEASE come by and check out her incredible homeade items. You and your taste buds will be amazed! See you at the bean!

The Independent Article

2008-02-28T17:32:00.000-08:00

Check out today's Collierville Independent for an article written about our shop opening!

http://suburbancommunitynews.com/articles/2008/02/29/the_independent/community/doc47c83b0d37717616587762.txt

We are really excited about opening soon. We seem to jinx ourselves everytime we say we are opening on a specific day, so we aren't doing that anymore. Hopefully within the next few days though you will not see the brown kraft paper on the windows anymore and you can all come in and enjoy what we hope you will think is a relaxing atmosphere and great coffee!

We got an email from someone asking if we would have hot chocolate for the kids - or anyone who really isn't much of a coffee drink. The answer to that question is ABSOLUTELY! We have a really great Dutch Hot Cocoa, a Mexican Hot Chocolate as well as an European Sipping Chocolate!

We look forward to seeing everybody! Kelli and Walt

Our first ad!

2008-02-22T19:23:00.000-08:00

For those readers of the Collierville Herald, I hope you noticed our ad Thursday Feb 21st on page A6. I know that a lot of people were hoping that we'd be open this weekend (so were we) but a couple of things came up that were out of our control. The good news is that everything should be finalized by early next week with our opening soon after. Hey, it just gives us more time to get things just right for you. Hang in there, I think it will be worth it! Kep watching this space. - Walt

We have an espresso machine!

2008-02-19T21:30:00.000-08:00

Which is nice since thats what were all about! Our new state of the art Swiss made espresso machine does it all. Grinds, doses and extracts great tasting espresso every time. With the freshest roasted beans from around the world and consistantly good shots, we think you will really enjoy a cup of fine coffee for a change. If espresso, cappucino or lattes are not what you are craving, we'll have the best brewed coffee around. Great tasting even if you just want a plain black coffee!

Hopefully, you'll be able to get all of that AND some great tasting breakfast and lunch goodies VERY soon. All I can say is keep an eye on the website!

Almost there!

2008-02-14T07:38:00.000-08:00

Things are really hopping now. We should get all of the construction / painting done this weekend. We will work on getting the last equipment installed and our final inspections first of the week and with any luck we will be open to the public by the weekend of the 22nd - no promisses! Just check this web site for sure. Plans are under way for our first art exhibit. We will feature 3 local photographers, one just got back from an exciting trip to the Holy Land, one has a very interseting historical link to this building and one is, shall we say, VERY involved with this project. Finally, watch for our 1st ad in the Collierville Herald next Thursday. more later...

Cabinets and sinks and ovens oh my!

2008-02-10T19:38:00.000-08:00

Last week started off very well. Our custom cabinet maker Jesse Vest and sons from Pickwick delivered and installed our cabinets and counters Monday and Tuesday and they look great and are extremely well built. Jesse is a true master craftsman as we learned when we visited his shop last weekend. On Tuesday much of our equipment arrived from Chef's Supply and Design including the convection oven which will soon be producing Kelli's wonderous goodies. We placed it right up front on the counter so everyone can see (and smell!) what's baking. We also received most of our sinks and refrigeration.

Unfortunatley, the rest of the week did not go as well as planned. We had hoped to have the electrical, plumbing and tile complete by today - didn't happen :( Everyone is supposed to be here Monday morning though. So we shall see.

Besides that, the main projects remaining are to finish the restroom trim, install the picture hanging system, speakers and paint the floor.

I know that there are lots of folks anxious to have us open (thankfully!) but there are a lot of things beyond our control. We are working very hard doing as much as we can do ourselves every night and weekend with some help from friends as well. With any luck we will still open this month.

2008-01-31T19:59:00.000-08:00

Please vote in our latest poll regarding breakfast choice. The results of the last poll for favorite drinks were 3 Brewed coffee, 1 Cappucino and 1 Latte.

Getting closer

2008-01-31T19:38:00.000-08:00

The kitchen (really sinks/coolers/storage room) and restroom have been tiled. I think everyone will be pleased with the wall treatment in the restroom. Kelli and I did a little experiment and it came out great! We've also done quite a bit more painting and trim. I'll post some photos soon.

There's a little more electrical to finish up and I hope to get the new fixtures installed in the restroom tomorrow. We will have our cabinets installed Monday or Tuesday. Then we can have the service area tiled. After that, the fixtures and equipment should start rolling in. The (nearly) last thing to do construction-wise is to paint the floor. We will do that when all the trades are finished and heavy moving is done.

On the business side we are working on a deal to source coffee beans directly from an estate coffee grower in Nicaragua. The beans are picked, processed, roasted and shipped directly to us where we will grind and brew them fresh every day. You cant get any fresher than that!

Walls are built.

2008-01-22T08:43:00.000-08:00

All of our walls are completely built, mudded and sanded and ready for priming and painting. I've completed the work by the back door and replaced some loose floor boards. The electricians are going to finish up in the next couple of days. We will be painting during the evenings this week. The kitchen, service area and bathroom will be tiled this weekend. Hopefully we can get the sinks etc. put in next week.

First Inspections passed!

2008-01-18T08:06:00.000-08:00

We passed our rough-in inspections for Electrical, Plumbing and Framing Today. Finishing the walls is next. I spent yesterday renovating the back door area. The ADA code only allows for a 1/2" threshold at entrance doors. This build had about a 4" sill to step over. I had to remove the door and frame and old sill/threshold. I put in a new frame level with the floor. We had to have a small deck built on the back of the building and now I need to tie that into the new threshold. But then it will be a straight, smooth transition to the great outdoors!

I also posted a new poll. Please vote! The results of the last poll (with 3 whole votes!) was that Mid-Morning was your choice to visit most often.

Finally, our son Adam is a Freshman at University of Memphis in Computer Science and has been working on a new website for us. Please have a look here http://www.squarebeans.com/index2.php at let us know what you think. - Walt

New Visitors Guide

2008-01-09T20:04:00.000-08:00

We are in the newly printed 2008 Collierville Visitors Guide! You can pick up a copy at many places in Collierville including the new visitor center at the Square, the Chamber of Commerce, Town Hall etc. or just give our good friend Elizabeth a call:

Elizabeth Allen

Culture, Recreation and Tourism Director

Phone: (800) 853-1949

eallen@colliervillechamber.com

Here's our entry:

http://tourcollierville.com/dine_coffee.html

Progress On Site

2008-01-09T19:12:00.000-08:00

We have all of our permits now and construction is underway! Electrical and plumbing is going in and the custom counters are being built. We are remodeling the interior, completely upgrading the restroom and bringing everything up to code and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance. Trying to understand all the building codes, fire codes and health codes can be a real challenge. Even though it takes some time and can be confusing to a new business owner like me, I understand the need for these codes and take the safety and health of my customers and employees very seriously. After all, me and my family and friends will be working and dining in here!

There are some challenges to reworking a 100 year old building, of course. We are adding a couple of walls, painting and replacing light fixtures and we've picked out some nice furniture for relaxing and dining but at the same time we are maintaining the exposed brick walls, wooden floors and huge picture windows up front.

We've given the front of the building a fresh coat of paint and put our logo on both windows. The new ceiling fans are installed and looking great and the track lighting is going up. As soon as the plumbing and electrical rough in is complete and inspected, we can finish the walls and paint and tile the floors.

After that the counters, sinks, equipment and furniture are installed. Then give us a couple of days to finalize our menu and do a couple of run throughs for invited guests and we'll be ready to open!

Check this blog and our website squarebeans.com for updates including a preliminary menu

Introduction

2008-01-09T19:09:00.000-08:00

January 1, 2008

Introducing Square Beans Coffee Company, YOUR local Independent coffeehouse! Look for us to open February 2008. As Collierville residents ourselves, we look forward to offering locals and visitors alike a unique coffee experience.

What makes Square Beans Coffee unique?

· Your favorite “Seattle-style” coffee drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, and frappes made with premium coffee from the best coffee growing regions around the world including organic, shade grown and fair trade

· Ground and whole-bean coffee delivered weekly from the roaster

· Fresh, baked breakfast including quiche, assorted breads and muffins

· Daily light lunch specials, gourmet sandwiches and salads

· Homemade cheesecakes, pies and desserts

· Historic Town Square atmosphere with plenty of comfortable seating

· Free Wi-Fi service

Square Beans will also be open for lunch and after school refreshment. Friday and Saturday nights we will be open late offering local entertainment, acoustic music and other community related groups.

Looking for a meeting place for small groups or after hours party space? Local band or music group who enjoys performing in a charming intimate setting? Artist looking for gallery space? Please contact us at info@squarebeans.com.

Sincerely,

Walt and Kelli Geminn and family

Square Beans Coffee Company