Cool Beans is on the move.
No, owner Kevin Traptow hasn’t fired up the engine of his trusty double-decker and hit the open road. The 1964 former London bus will stay put at its downtown lot.
Instead, Cool Beans Coffee Company Inc. is adding a bricks-and-mortar location to cater to its loyal following.
Traptow said he decided to make the move after being approached to take his popular coffee and sandwich business to a former café site at 5214 47th Ave.
Many will remember the building as the former Park Plaza Theatre. It is now home to World Financial Group, Career Assistance Network, Absolute Fitness and other tenants.
Traptow said he was looking at setting up earlier in the summer, but he was too busy with his downtown bus site.
“September seemed a good time to start it because it slows down there quite a bit and we can transition here for the winter,” said Traptow, adding he is getting ready to close the bus for the season in the next few days.
It’s not the first time he has been approached to expand his six-year-old business.
“Every year, it’s been kind of something new. But this was just an opportunity that came up to go into a space that was already completely outfitted and set up and I just had to stock and staff it.”
Customers will recognize most of the menu. He has imported his popular sandwiches: Reuben, Cuban, Pittsburgh Chipped Ham, Mediterranean Greek, roast chicken and veggie along with his breakfast menu.
He’s also added soup, but won’t have the soft ice cream.
“Pretty much everything is the same. We’re just going to kind of adapt it as we go along.
“We just thought it was a good opportunity and we’d give it a try.”
Traptow said he is also looking at a couple of other opportunities. He’s been invited to participate in a new fitness studio and a small eatery that is looking at opening a location at Clearview Market Square has been talking with him.
Hours are Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com