hip new vegetarian cafe to open in national city tower
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Veggies, rejoice! Infusion Cafe is expected to open late this summer, possibly August, on the ground floor of the National City Bank Building at 8th and Spring.
One can expect high-end European style espresso drinks (no filter-brewed coffee here), as well as a variety of yummy ice-blended espresso concoctions, smoothies, shakes and possibly even fresh fruit juices.
Food offerings are to include pastries, cakes, dessert crepes and vegetarian paninis and salads competitively priced at $2-$8. The cafe will have free WiFi and a lounge area where visitors can plop down on comfy couches and hang out.
Infusion cafe is located on the same block as Candice Held Boutique/Dalessio Gallery and Angelique Cafe. Also, the newly opened Kelly’s Coffee and Fudge (which always looks busy whenever I pass by) is just half a block west.
Infusion Cafe will also have a gallery and feature works by select artists, making this a likely stop along the Art Walk circuit.
Having worked in Downtown the past 7-8 years, cafe owner David Shlomof has witnessed the city’s progress firsthand and is optimistic about the future despite the recent economic downturn. Shlomof is confident that this, too, shall pass, that Downtown will weather the storm and realize its potential as the epicenter of urbanite life and culture.
Shlomof expects a large portion of his clientele to be young, affluent, loft-dwelling working professionals; cosmopolitan types who “like to go out and do things in the city.” Shlomof reports Downtown has become an increasingly “warm and friendly area” and he is thrilled to be a part of the renaissance.
Infusion Cafe will initially open for breakfast and lunch. Dinner hours may follow depending on the needs of the community. Extended hours on Art Walk night are a given and delivery service is currently under consideration.
Shlomof welcomes input from the community so please feel free to leave your thoughts, ideas and well-wishes in the comments section below.
Infusion Cafe
808 S Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90014
Coming late summer 2008
-art walk’s south pole home to boutique gallery
-kelly’s coffee aims for soft opening this week
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10 comments
Wheat free items might appeal to a lot of people in Downtown in general. My boyfriend is sensitive to wheat and I know he’d appreciate those alternatives.
My only suggestions to Mr. Shlomof is considering later hours during the evening. We learned with Lot 44 that’s not always possible in the beginning, but make it a goal early on to cater to the after-work residents.
Free WiFi, great idea… make sure it’s dependable!
What’s the price point for the espresso drinks, Ira?
David said prices for espresso drinks will be competitive with starbucks and coffee bean, so I’m guessing that’s around $3-4 for a medium size latte or cappuccino.
Any idea when the residential portion of the building opens? I’m sure this will create more of the customers the cafe is targeting. It will also make evening hours more likely.
The space could also be really nice. The ceilings are very high and the windows take advantage of that. Hopefully, the design can take advantage of this.
if they’re not going to be open in the evenings, do they at least plan on being open on weekends?
The residential portion is gearing up for sales now, David. I’d guesstimate within six months.
Sounds encouraging and weekend hours are a desired must. The gallery aspect is great too. Make it good and unique and special and people will flock and spend their money
Regardless of the economic situation right now, people do have to eat/drink. Maybe not as often outside the home, but if the “product” or “place” are great then we make time and money for it.
Sounds great. If you make decent food, you will make a serious killing! My suggestion is to do a long soft opening and make sure you work everything out before opening to the masses. Spotty service/wifi has hurt new businesses lately.
Coupons seem to work well too, so I would definitely use that to generate some business during your early run.
Mmmmm… Dessert crepes. Can’t wait!
The National City Tower lofts are for lease and not for sale, which is a good thing in my opinion. The current market sucks, so rentals are a much better way to fill up a building. With the Chapman being rental there will be a lot more people that are going to be part of the neighborhood. Also the building across the street (north, across 8th st.) will be ready for sale in the next 6 months. Santee Village is also filling up slowly, so this neighborhood is ready for new cafe.
I checked out the NCT lofts during the Downtown Open House, the place is pretty nice..
Starting from:
Studios: $1395
1 Bedrooms: $1695
2 Bedrooms: $2350
Penthouse $4450 http://www.nctlofts.com
Welcome to the neighborhood! It sounds like you are starting with a simple sandwich and pastry menu for food. Sugar free and wheat free items would make it a destination point for me. There are no other cafes in the neighborhood that cater to those who can’t have sugar and/or wheat.
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