No big celebrations or ribbon cuttings. On April 22, Michael’s Coffee Shop and Bakery in Estevan just opened their doors and declared the new location open and they got slammed with orders.
Michael Ellis, the man behind the original coffee shop in Carlyle, the unique small business that has claimed its reputation throughout the province, said that with restricted access, take out operation only and also a minimal amount of people allowed in the kitchen, the first few days appeared to be really busy. But there was nothing better than such a reception for him, especially during the difficult times.
He said that during the first couple of days, they had many take-out orders for their famous cinnamon buns, and occasionally they managed to make some extra for people who just stop by for a coffee and a bun to go.
“It’s been the tremendous response from the community,” said Ellis.
While the demand for what Michael’s Coffee Shop and Bakery has to offer is definitely there, it’s still the time of social distancing. The new place is strictly following all the requirements and is limiting the number of people who can come in at once. Fulfilling orders during the first few days felt even busier also because they are currently working short-staffed with just about half of employees that they would normally have, which is done to maintain social distancing in the kitchen as well.
Ellis said that if not for the current situation they probably would have seen even more response, but they are still really happy with how things are now.
“We are feeling very positive about the first interaction for the new place,” said Ellis.
Getting ready to open they’ve redone the floor, repainted everything and changed lights. While the place looks pretty “simple” and was designed from the minimalist approach standpoint, Ellis noted that transparency was one of the key elements and is one of their main values. When customers walk in the front door they can see all the way right through to the back door.
This kind of setup allows guests to see everything happening in the kitchen. This way when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, customers can come in, enjoy a nice cup of coffee or a meal and also have an element of entertainment watching how it’s all being made.
The new kitchen was also a positive experience for Ellis.
“I love working in the new kitchen. When you put it together just the way you want it, you’d better love it otherwise you have nobody to blame but yourself,” said Ellis laughing.
The coffeeshop and bakery started off offering coffees, cinnamon buns and pizzas, but as the days go they are adding to their menu bringing it on par with what they offer at the Carlyle location. Soup and sandwiches were the first ones in line to appear on the Estevan menu.
When restrictions are lifted and they will be allowed to actually sit people, they might call for a grand opening with a celebration.
“We look forward to hosting live music and probably have ribbon cutting … and make an event out of it. But we have no real plans for that until we know things a bit more clearly,” said Ellis.
In the meantime, Ellis said that being able to offer people even a little bit of comfort through the goods and services during these times is something that keeps them going despite all the challenges.
“During the crisis, because we can’t have people in … what happens is that the community is very supportive as all of the local businesses, they don’t want to see anybody to get lost through this process. So we can only praise the people in our communities for the way they’ve responded in that regard,” said Ellis.
“And I think for the products and services that we offer, people like coming out. Even though they can’t stay and they can’t gather, just to provide a little bit of things that kind of remind them … of that stability, that sense of groundedness, that it’s all going to be OK. And we are proud to be a part of providing a little bit of that.”
Michael’s also partnered with potter Jeffrey Taylor, who runs the Newschool Arts studio in Duval, and they just received a fresh batch of souvenir mugs with the special logo to commemorate the coffee shop opening in Estevan.
“We are pretty excited with that partnership with the Newschool Arts,” said Ellis.
Michael’s Coffee shop and Bakery is now open Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
