Coffee, Lunch adds to Nashville’s coffee shop diversity

Independent coffee shops are becoming as ubiquitous in Nashville as seeing someone wear cowboy boots down lower Broadway. Locally-owned coffee shops are usually within close proximity of college campuses, a benefit to those seeking a boost of java. Coffee, Lunch is no exception. The new coffee hot spot opened last week along 10th Ave. South, adding to Nashville’s already great selection of coffee houses. “Monday couldn’t have been a smoother day,” said co-owner Khalil Davis. “People were trying to get in because they saw people in here. We had a soft opening Aug. 27 for our neighbors above us. Our printed opening date was actually Sept. 4.” Davis said he was encouraged by the warm reception and decided to open a week early. “We started off by doing a 50 percent off everything,” he said. “It worked out fantastic. By Tuesday, we had so many people pulling on the door, trying to get in, we just decided to go for it and see how busy we can get.” As for the naming of the coffee shop, Davis said, “It was a mistake. We couldn’t come up with a name, so when we submitted our business plan, we put coffee, lunch. Once it was reviewed, the name stuck.” Coffee, Lunch is what you’d expect in a coffee house, except with a few twists. For starters, the music selection includes ‘90s underground hip hop but also contemporary indie. For food, you can choose from offerings such as penne pasta and potato salad. On the menu are also ham and cheese croissants, sandwiches and salads. For drink choices, the shop has espressos, cappuccinos,...

Opinion: Perking up with Fido

Nashville is infested with great coffee shops. You can find one on almost every street corner, so how do you go about picking a favorite? Could it solely be based on the coffee or does picking a favorite coffee shop require more in-depth analysis? O.K., I have my favorite. It’s Fido. And here is how I reached my conclusion. Location is important when considering a favorite coffee shop. Fido is placed right in the heart of unique shops and restaurants on 21st Avenue South. Just passing by, you might miss that it’s a coffee shop because of its resemblance to a pet store. In fact, the space used to be Jones Pet Shop. Fido is part of the Bongo Java chain that started roasting coffee in 1993, they are one of Nashville’s oldest and most celebrated coffee companies. Environment is significant. Fido follows a theme announced by its name. When ordering, they hand you a picture of a cute dog, sometimes up for adoption, so that the staff can find your seat. The menu is full of coffees named after dogs, like the “wishbone.” Not only is the theme enjoyable, but the layout of the coffee shop is also comfortable. Though crowded most of the time, Fido finds a way to give the feel of privacy. Tables are set against walls, close to windows, so that you are never suffocating a neighbor. In warmer weather, of course, you can enjoy your brew out on the sidewalk. Lastly, and most importantly, when choosing a favorite coffee shop the question must be asked, how is the coffee? I can answer this simply: Fido’s coffee...