On the road to Damascus Coffee Shop
Riverview's newest java joint aims to bring the feel of an urban coffee shop to Coverdale Road, with a local twist
What makes one coffee shop different than all the rest, besides fueling our caffeine fix in the mornings? It's about quality service. While a popular chain may serve up your regular roast without hesitation, it may not afford the friendly welcome your neighborhood coffee shop supplies for free. Hit the road to Damascus.
"Our philosophy is that we have the best coffee in the area and great décor, and a major part of the equation has to be excellent customer service," shares owner, Kevin Steen.
Once you step inside Riverview's newest, locally owned, coffee shop at 710 Coverdale Rd., the service welcomes you with a smile, and quickly transforms into one of your own. Staring at you from behind a glass display are cheesecakes, prepared in full form, to accompany a hot cup of tea or coffee.
While cookies and other desserts are available, your best bet is to go for the locally made scones provided by Karen Silliker, owner of the Cake Box. Moist blueberry cinnamon or cranberry with drops of white chocolate will leave you feeling satisfied.
If you can't decide on one, flip a coin and save the other option for your next visit. As far as coffee goes, Down East beans are the secret ingredient behind the perfect brew. Damascus offers up a daily variety of fair trade organic, dark roast, as well as a house blend.
While the shop has yet to put in a customer comment box, Kevin may be spotted in store at anytime, and is open to suggestions. At this point, you may be wondering why Kevin chose the name Damascus to represent the shop.
As a newly converted Christian, he felt the name was appropriate to mark the path leading to his new life. The owner was also looking for a suitable atmosphere to spend his time.
"I was interested in having a place to hang out with friends besides a bar," says the young entrepreneur, adding that he was also inspired by the long running television drama, Friends and their hangout, Central Perk.
What makes the local coffee shop successful is the community and family atmosphere. With his father as a partner, it is no wonder that the Steen family philosophy has transcended into his business style.
The family ambiance is most evident by counting the numerous strollers you see rolling through the doors. With a cozy fireplace tucked in the corner and a living room set up arranged for intimacy, you may just feel like staying put for more than one drink.
If you prefer a table setting, there are enough windows providing natural daylight to help you through your morning paper or book. What is unique to Damascus is its large boardroom, which is a popular locale for book clubs and business meetings.
The room seats ten to twelve comfortably in plush executive chairs. With wireless Internet, a modular boardroom table and plenty of power outlets, it's suitable for presentations of all sorts. Be advised it's best to book in advance. Or ask for coffee to be catered your next meeting.
As for enjoying a refreshing drink outside, the shop would like to offer an outdoor seating area in the near future.
"Where else in Riverview, besides Dairy Queen, can you enjoy sitting outside?" asks the owner. "Having an outdoor area offers the shop the opportunity to promote summer drinks such as iced mochas and teas."
Kevin invites everyone, from all walks of life to drop by for a visit. You can even check them out on Facebook. Music night is 7-9 p.m. each Wednesday and open mike and poetry readings are in the works.
Damascus Coffee Shop is open Monday, Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wed-Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
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