New coffee shop combines best of local business

Blanchard’s Coffee’s retail space/coffee shop is about to get a facelift. Previously, the coffee roaster had very limited hours in their shop. While they enjoyed having a space to converse with customers, as their wholesale bean business grew, they had to shift their focus away from the retail space.

September 10, 2010; 2:03 PM • by Holly Gordon

Blanchard’s Coffee’s retail space/coffee shop is about to get a facelift. Previously, the coffee roaster had very limited hours in their shop. While they enjoyed having a space to converse with customers, as their wholesale bean business grew, they had to shift their focus away from the retail space.

Enter Ben Spencer, at the helm of the soon-to-be TaZa Coffee & Crème. The new café will be proudly operating under the Blanchard’s umbrella, with the beans still roasting just downstairs. In addition, TaZa will have a selection of chocolates from Chocolates by Kelly, locally-made pastries, and ice cream.

Spencer’s mission is to “bring the best of Richmond to your local community.” He’s interested in finding out who has the best of the best, whether that is espresso, unique desserts, or sandwich bread.

“I’ve been looking to open a coffee shop for two years,” says Spencer. He has always been a fan of Blanchard’s and had planned to use their coffee in any shop he opened anyway. He already had a business relationship with chocolate proprietor Kelly Walker as well. When this opportunity arose, it couldn’t have been more fortuitous.

Source details for food are still in development, though Spencer has met with Jesus Luz, owner of La Michoacana. The locally-owned heladería (ice cream parlor) on Midlothian Turnpike makes their own numerous and unusual flavors of ice cream and popsicles. Spencer would also like to offer pastry from nearby La Sabrosita bakery.

The cafe will be at 5047 Forest Hill Avenue, in the shopping center between Jahnke Road and Westover Hills Boulevard. TaZa can be found at the back of the brick antiques building with the clock face between Forest Restaurant and The Locker Room.

Spencer is a chemical engineer by trade who has worked in many corporate environments, but his passion for the bean started with a coffee ministry at his local church. He wanted to extend that feeling a little further and “provide an atmosphere where people can feel welcomed, with a good cup of coffee and good conversation.” He also emphasizes a desire to give back to community by showcasing and supporting local business.

The transition will start in earnest next week, and will open on October 4th, with new hours: Monday through Saturday, 6:30am to 6:00pm. The shop will be hiring soon.
A new feature for TaZa is curbside service. If you call ahead between the hours of 6:30 am and 9:30 am, employees will pop out and hand-deliver your coffee and bagel. You don’t even have to get out of the car.

Blanchard’s will still offer online ordering and their Coffee of the Month program, along with their familiar bean found in all Martin’s, Ellwood’s and over 25 other retail outlets.

Spencer is most energized by the opportunity to establish new relationships but was pleasantly surprised by La Michoacana. “I’ll be honest with you, after going to the ice cream shop; I’m pretty excited about that as well. He’s got some unique flavors.”

September 10, 2010 2:03 PM 2