Verve Coffee - 41st
Completed: April 2017
Scope: 1,000 sq ft gut remodel of existing (original) store
Location: Santa Cruz, CA [ Pleasure Point ]
Client: Verve Coffee Roasters
Builder: Testorff Construction
Photos: Carlos Chen
Challenge
Verve’s original store was built by hand, by the two founders as a labor of love. Ten years later, it was in need of a functional makeover and aesthetic refresher. The challenge was to close for as few days as possible, utilize the very limited 1,000 sq ft as efficiently as possible without alienating it’s original vibes.
Solution
A two week closure of the space accomplished a full gut of all equipment and replacement with a more durable, ergonomic and efficient back bar design. Custom tile patterning and a custom 48' light fixture add to the subtle way-finding, aiming to improve customer flow in a tight space. Honing in on our Scandinavian education roots, a lighter palette was selected with white powder-coat steel shelving, a white oak banquette and smaller cafe table tops, fire clay tile for the color pop. The result is a bright, happy space that traffics hundreds of people per day.
