Hallelujah! Praise the java gods!
Mylo Coffee Co. just announced that they’re opening a second shop in downtown Little Rock. Don’t worry, Hillcrest. Your beloved coffee spot isn’t going anywhere. The new place is an expansion and comes less than a year after the flagship restaurant opened in April 2014.
Their new location will be in the historic Sterling Building at the corner of Center and Capitol. If that sounds familiar, it’s because Southern Gourmasian’s brick-and-mortar restaurant will be in the same annex. Dubbed the “City Center,” this area is going through a revitalization process along with the rest of downtown and South Main.
“With all the wonderful developments on Main St., this area will continue to grow,” said Stephanos Mylonas of Mylo Coffee Co. “And with our type of business — one that’s very pedestrian oriented, very family oriented — it’s a very good move for us.”
The building was once a clothing store, leaving behind tall ceilings, concrete floors and a larger, more open space than the Hillcrest location. Mylo regulars will recognize the handmade touches, but don’t expect the downtown spot to mirror the first.
“We want to use elements like we did in Hillcrest to create an ambience that works for the downtown location, but make it a little more modern,” said Mylonas. “We’re still doing things the same way. We want craftsmanship to count, for it to be friendly and welcoming, but with a unique look and feel.”
As far as offerings go, visitors can expect similar food and drinks. Each location will have its own crew, so there will be no shipping of items. Consequentially, they will also have their own vibes, each with it’s own personal flair.
The expansion opens doors for growth, not just spatially, but on the menu as well. Mylo is also a coffee roastery. They have plans to improve the quality and options of coffee for customers, as well as their knowledge of the coffee’s origins. Mylo is also looking to add more ovens in the new space to expand their homemade bread options. We already have a baguette with our name on it.
“We’re very passionate about the way we do things. That means everything is simple and fresh.”
Unfortunately, the new location isn’t slated to open until this summer, so we’re just going to have to wait to see the place.
But wait! Mylo has even more up their sleeves. Starting as early as the end of January, Mylo will have a mobile cart set up outside the Capitol Ave. location until it opens. The small (think 4×8 ft.), teardrop trailer will serve espressos, teas, pastries and more, mostly in the mornings.
The idea is to engage the downtown area, to learn about it and meet people. That’s why the cart is so small; so customers can be face to face with employees and their craft, no ignore-the-man-behind-the-curtain stuff.
Bottom line: Downtowners can get their hands on Mylo treats by February.
For Mylonas, however, everything is about relationships, whether that means with patrons or colleges. In fact, that’s what he’s most excited about in the upcoming expansion process.
“Honestly, I’m so looking forward to seeing how our team can grow, relying on and working with them to continue building while pleasing and impressing our customers.”
Color us impressed.
Make sure you follow Mylo Coffee Co. on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more updates.