Typical trips to a coffee shop are made on the run, with hopes for one quick cup of Joe sandwiched in between destination points. Something different is brewing at Idle Awhile Coffee, where guests tend to linger ? often enjoying a second cup of gourmet roasted coffee and a freshly-baked treat.
The secrets behind Idle Awhile Coffee’s success will be easy to see May 31, when one of Oxford’s newest members of the business community celebrates with a day-long grand opening event. All guests are welcome; festivities running from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. include a ribbon cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. at 33 Pleasant Street in Oxford, one block west of the bridge. The coffee shop is located within Merge Studio and Gallery, site of the former Oxford Grain Elevator.
‘Our entire mission at Idle Awhile Coffee is to serve an outstanding product in an incredibly efficient manner, in a place that feels like home,? said Sandra Ball, owner. ‘Great coffee, a welcoming smile and a chance to relax make this place a destination. We want our guests to be able to just take a deep breath, sit back and relax here.?
Originally from Essexville, Ball is a 1978 graduate from Garber High School. An Oxford resident since 1998, the married, artistic mother of two launched her enterprise within the studio and gallery after Merge owner Karey Collins suggested the location would be ideal for a coffee shop. Nine months after the proposal, Idle Awhile Coffee was ready for business, offering coffee brewed from light and dark beans roasted mere hours earlier, desserts featuring family recipes, sandwiches made daily and much more.
‘Our employees attended a barista school before opening, and all-natural ingredients, fresh vegetables and fresh fruits are used in all of our products,? said Ball. ‘Great food and drinks draw our guests in for the first time, and they keep coming back for the relaxing, down-home atmosphere, too.?
Plans for the May 31 grand opening celebration feature a full list of attractions fit for the entire family. The schedule includes: a 10 a.m. to noon book signing with author Donna Bocks; 10:30 to noon Hoop fit with Renee; an 11 a.m. student fashion show; coffee classes at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.; a 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. performance by Kenny (an acoustic guitar player); a noon to 2 p.m. Zumba class with Toni; a 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Hena workshop; a 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. performance by Thummp (a five-man acoustic group); and an 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. performance by Valentine VooDoo.
Check out Idle Awhile Coffee’s full menu, history and more on the company’s website — www.idleawhilecoffee.com ? or call (248) 830-2905 for more information about the grand opening.
The coffee shop is open during the summer Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.