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Sam Hunt has owned other Springfield businesses before, but his newest endeavor is by far the Koolest.
The former owner of Moe’s Tavern (now Shanty Town) says owning a bar was a great idea in theory, but not in practice. Instead, Sam had other ideas.
“I’ve always wanted to do a nice restaurant & café in the neighborhood, and I’ve always loved this building”, the longtime Springfield resident explained. “I really just wanted to do my part for the neighborhood, and I feel like this is it”.
Kool Beans Café is now open at 1610 N. Main Street, a circa 1900 original house converted into commercial space, and offers a unique mix of Mom & Pop, the deep south, and something exotic, both on the menu and on the walls.
“I took my dining experiences from 10 years in Europe and 4 in Charleston, South Carolina and put them into this restaurant. I wanted to create a unique ambiance and interesting setting with character, while offering quality, homemade meals at reasonable prices. That’s the slogan - We don’t fake it, we bake it”.
One third classic coffee shop featuring locally brewed Condaxis coffee & tea products, one third down home casual fare with thick-cut ham & cheese paninis and chicken salad sandwiches, and one third authentic Italian cuisine with dishes like spicy penne all’ arrabiata and the ever-popular pasta ala carbonara, the menu is diverse. And that’s how Sam likes it.
“I really thought I’d just do Italian meals and wine in the evenings, but the more I listened to the wants of the neighborhood, I realized that breakfast and lunch were a need too. I want have something for everyone, so not only to we offer hot soups and salads, but also home baked goods, beer and wine, and Yoohoos too.”
If there’s a fourth note to Kool Beans, it’s the eclectic mix of décor, where you’ll find an a collection of paintings Sam has acquired through the years, along with a variety of curious antiques collected during his travels. Homey and warm, there’s back patio garden seating too.
Future plans include front landscaping and fountain, and eventually an expanded deck in the rear of the building.
Kool Beans Café provides Wi-Fi and is open Monday through Saturday, for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evenings. Check their Facebook page for specials and other details.
In the meantime, take a tour of the cafe and menu . . .
Article by Bill Hoff at www.myspringfield.org
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jaxlore
October 15, 2012, 09:51:21 AMThis looks pretty cool. Will have to check it out!
JeffreyS
October 15, 2012, 11:12:04 AMLooks great I will try it sometime this week.
Bridges
October 15, 2012, 11:37:22 AMBest Quiche in town. Yeah, I said it.
Debbie Thompson
October 15, 2012, 01:07:28 PMEnjoyed al fresco dining on the deck Friday night with live music from Springfield's own Doug V.
Bill Hoff
October 15, 2012, 05:17:52 PMGood coffee + homemade-ish food + table space = a good place to study, do office work, & have group meetings.
Seraphs
October 15, 2012, 10:31:07 PMHate to be a spoil sport. I hope it lasts.
sheclown
October 16, 2012, 10:52:39 AMIt is a great location with a proven track record. And then there's Sam...!
Of course it will last.
sheclown
October 16, 2012, 11:07:28 AMMy great friend, Uncle Kenny Dread, is playing at Kool Beans on Friday night.
This is his sound:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrs5NnsxLag
@ 6 and @ 9
sheclown
October 16, 2012, 04:47:53 PM02roadking
October 17, 2012, 08:43:19 AMTried some take-out last night. I liked it. The sampling of quiche that Sam let my girlfriend take away was very, very good.
sheclown
October 23, 2012, 05:48:33 PMKenny will be playing next to Kool Beans during the cruise on Saturday.
K_Beans
October 24, 2012, 09:21:57 PMGLBT Thursdays.....It Pride Day everyday at Kool Beans Cafe but Thursday and every Thursday is your day to shine! We will offer two for one drink specials and buy one meal and get the other half price. Show your colors and join us at Kool Beans Cafe for a nice and colorful evening of fun and activity. We're at 1610 North, Main Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206. Tel: 904-358-6874.
K_Beans
October 24, 2012, 09:49:51 PMDragin on Main Street Starts next Thursday....winner gets $150.00! Registration and program approval required!
Kool Beans Cafe 1610 N. Main Street. Jacksonville, FL Tel: 904-358-6874.
sheclown
November 25, 2012, 09:31:57 AMsteamy & delicious bean soup, warm fire...Kool Beans!
ChriswUfGator
November 25, 2012, 05:25:19 PMWhat is that?