“Locally owned and operated upon the idea that a good day can be sustained by two things: coffee and wine”
I’m not sure there are too many places in this world that have the range, options, and intimate atmosphere as Downtown Coffee & Wine Company. It is a rare thing to truly invite you in for a cup of your favorite caffeinated beverage in the morning while allowing you to unwind at night under the string lights listening to local music while drinking wine. As I look at the bingo card, Downtown Wine & Coffee Company checks all the boxes.
Nestled off Old 41 in downtown Bonita Springs, you’ll find Downtown Coffee hugged between beautiful murals and Bonita Springs Fire Station 1. This intimate space offers visitors the perfect opportunity to read, have breakfast, and relax. Go early enough in the morning and you’ll be greeted by daily visitor, Bob, and the smell of crispy bacon (I’m not ashamed to say I’ve ordered just a side of bacon on numerous occasions).
Speaking of my order, if you know me, I’m not the biggest coffee drinker. My caffeine of choice is a 12oz can Coke Zero. That said, you have to go order their vanilla bean latte. Ordered hot or iced, this drink is the perfect start to any morning when you want to slow down and read a book. It combines the bitter espresso and sweet vanilla syrup to give the perfect balance. Alongside it, I’ll throw in their Egg Sammich, Smashed Avocado Toast, or if I’m feeling something small, their Everything Bagel w/ Cream Cheese. They have the perfect sized breakfast for anything you’re feeling.
Going during the day? Doesn’t matter! Downtown Coffee’s food menu is all day fare. Order the bagel and cream cheese or dive into the Turkey Club. You won’t go wrong either way. I asked the owners about their favorites and I can confirm their choices are 10/10. They their favorites are the Smashed Avocado toast. Smashed daily avocado on thick toasted brioche bread with seasonal fruits and an iced caramel macchiato, it’s made with goats milk caramel and sea salt flakes.
Speaking of the owners, who cares about my favorite – lets hear from the people who poured their heart’s and sweat into Downtown Coffee. I was able to connect with Brandon and Caitlin over email and I’m thankful they took the time to answer my questions. Fun fact, they also own Bohemian off Old 41 and Bonita Beach Rd.
I first asked them how the idea for the coffee shop came to them. Brandon said the idea came to them during a sunset bike ride through Bonita. He went to say “We had just moved into our first home in Bonita and were taking a bike ride one sunset and came upon the building the owners had started to fix up and were in search of tenants. Both of us in the restaurant biz our entire lives and the dream to always have our own one day, we thought downtown coffee and wine company was the perfect concept for the space. The space came first then the concept, and the madness followed. Steve Hovland, landlord/owner of Entrada was a coffee shop regular who loved us and downtown coffee and knew we could match the growth for his building and what we couldn’t offer in our small confines with downtown coffee.” Next time you find yourself on a bike ride around town, listen to that voice in your head about starting that business idea. You never know the impact your idea can have on a community.
I asked Brandon and Caitlin about what Bonita means to them and they share many of our feelings about Bonita having an small intimate charm that makes anyone feel at home. They live within walking distance which adds a deeper level of commitment to seeing downtown Bonita thrive. They want to see others take the leap and start their own business in Downtown Bonita. Both Brandon and Caitlin are proof that with a passion, an idea, and a love of local community, you can build something everyone will want to be a part of.
To Brandon and Caitlin- Thank you both for sharing your story with me. I love stopping by Downtown Coffee and hearing your story only gives me more appreciation for everything Bonita has to offer our community. To those reading, Brandon mentioned to me they are opening a new pizza and cocktails restaurant called Canary Club off Dean and Old 41. Canary Club will be the only true wood fired naturally fermented sourdough pizza in SWFL. Both the menu and decor will take nodes to the Middle East/Mediterranean swaying far away from your traditional “Italian or New York” style pizzeria. Sign me up!
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