What’s the last possible new business that’s needed in Durango? A coffeehouse, right?
We’ll, before you judge Scot Davis too harshly for giving up his seven-year career with the Durango Fire Protection District to open another, hear him out.
“I think we landed the jackpot on location,” he said, noting bankers at First Southwest Bank were the first skeptics of a new Durango coffeehouse that he had to persuade before opening the doors at Brewed Awakenings, located at 10 Jenkins Ranch Road.
The location, up on the mesa with Fort Lewis College, where none of the dozens of independent and chain coffeehouses have thought to open, is what makes Brewed Awakenings possible.
“There are no coffeehouses on the mesa. We’re it. This block is the only commercial property between Ted’s Rental and J.Bo’s,” Davis said. “We’re near the approach to trails. You can stop in on your way for a ride or a hike. We love the reception we’re getting from the community. Everyone’s so excited they have a spot up on the mesa they can come to, and they don’t have to drive into town.”
After Davis provided his traffic studies and data and research on the market to First Southwest, the bank did its own analysis, and the proof of their conclusion was obvious: Davis got his business loan.
Revenue from two weeks – the shop has been open since Memorial Day weekend – met Davis’ business plans’ expectations for two months of sales, he said.
With COVID-19 restrictions still in place and FLC not in session, Davis anticipates foot traffic will only increase.
Kenna Melvin, an FLC junior majoring in business, who stopped in for a takeout order on Thursday, said, “This is the perfect place to study that’s not at school and not at home. Everyone’s going to be coming here.”
But what Davis believes will really make the difference for Brewed Awakenings will be the food.
Davis was born to be a foodie. His mother, Carolyn, who died in 2016, was a professional cook who taught him his way around a kitchen.
The heart of the menu will feature crepes. But paninis, salads, granola, pastries and baked goods will be offered – all made in the shop and all gluten free. Obviously, coffee, both hot and iced, smoothies and other brewed drinks are all part of the mix.
The roaster is Rocky Mountain Roastery of Durango.
Tailwind and Honey Stinger nutritional performance products are also available there for those hitting the trails.
Davis is in the process of obtaining a beer and wine license so the coffeehouse can stretch its hours and offer a cafe like setting with light fare go with a glass of wine or a beer after work.
“I want a cafe atmosphere, a place where you can have good conversation with friends any time of the day,” he said.
Davis’ first employees were his children: daughter, Sage, 17; and son, Leith, 14. But since then, he’s hired two FLC students and Sako Harris, wife of Steve Harris, who Davis met at DFPD, to be head baker.
The coffeehouse currently has 26 seats, but has room to grow given COVID-19 restrictions, and Ry Bolten of Jack of Trades is working on a deck that will add two tables and a few seats.
Current hours for the shop is 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., with plans to add to those hours, and to the menu if the coffeehouse receives its request for a beer and wine license.
parmijo@durangoherald.com