Coconut Grove residents will be able to get their java on starting next week, when Panther Coffee opens their Grove location at 3407 Main Hwy. on Monday, May 25.
This is the third location for the coffee shop, joining Panther's flagship Wynwood location and a Sunset Harbour shop. Panther Coffee is also expanding into Little Haiti and MiMo.
Rumors swirled this week that the Coconut Grove coffee house was on the verge of opening, but partner Leticia Pollock kept mum until she had the certificate of occupancy in her hand. "I just got it right now! Now I can say for certain that we are opening on Monday, for sure."
Pollock says that Panther Coffee Coconut Grove will be in a soft-opening phase, starting Memorial Day. What exactly does that mean?
"Well, some of the artwork won't be up, and we're still waiting for some furniture. We also might not be serving beer and wine for the first few days. Just little things" Rest assured, however, that the shop will offer a full selection of coffees and pastries by a fully trained staff — some of whom you might recognize if you're a regular Panther drinker. Pollock explains, "We have an amazing team that we've been training for about a month. In addition, some of the baristas that you love from Wynwood and Sunset Harbour will also split their time at the new location."
The decor at Panther Coffee's newest shop will have a casual vibe to match the neighborhood. "It's a living room setting. We'll have a long bench and little tables so people can sit around and get to know each other." In addition, the Coconut Grove location will boast a Bkon craft brewing system. "This is a machine that brews with vacuum extraction. You can make any coffee or tea infusions you want. It's a really cool piece of equipment." Also exclusive to the store is Nitro Panther cold brew, although it won't be ready for opening day.
Pollock is most excited about the neighborhood. "I'm getting to know Coconut Grove and the people are awesome. They have a strong sense of pride and love in their community. I can't wait to share our coffee with them."
As for the other two locations? Pollock says that work is progressing, especially on the Biscayne Boulevard store, but for now first things first. "Let's open the Coconut Grove space, and then I can start to focus on the other two."
Panther Coffee Coconut Grove's hours are Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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