Editor's Note: This article is part of a new online series launched in July 2023 by the City of Gainesville intended to highlight and promote must-try businesses in the area of the historic square in downtown Gainesville, Georgia. As the community continues to flourish and welcome new restaurants, retailers and service providers – especially within the downtown corridor – leadership wishes to introduce available offerings to residents and visitors alike ahead of their next trip to the City of Gainesville. Must-Try Monday features will be released weekly via gainesville.org and the @GainesvilleGeorgiaGovernment (City of Gainesville, Georgia) Facebook page. Be sure to "Like" and follow us on social media so you don't miss the latest and greatest about the Hospitality Capital of the World!
Boarding Pass Coffee | 106 Spring St. SW, Unit 140 | Open 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday + 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
GAINESVILLE, Ga. (Aug. 21, 2023) – Are you a travel enthusiast regularly fueled by caffeine? If so, consider exploring Boarding Pass Coffee before your next road trip or jet-setting adventure.
A farm-to-cup specialty coffee roaster, Boarding Pass Coffee serves the world's best flavors from a family farm in Brazil and beyond. Boarding Pass Coffee's travel-inspired café has a full food and beverage menu, plus lounge areas that have the power to transport you to the seat of an airplane, train car or cruise ship. (If you're confused, just keep reading. We promise it's worth it!)
"[Boarding Pass Coffee] is a destination for the whole family," said Christine Santos, who owns the new-to-Gainesville coffee joint with her husband, Murilo Santos.
Learn the ins and outs of Boarding Pass Coffee, what makes it a Must-Try Monday-worthy stop and why you should make it a destination the next time you're in downtown Gainesville by reviewing the exclusive Q+A with Christine below.
Q: When did your business open and where? If your business has operated at other locations, please list those.
A: We opened in late April 2023 at our current location at the Gainesville Renaissance [building] on the square. We have another location in Milton (Fulton County), which is a roastery, tasting room and coffee shop.
Q: How long have you been operating on the historic square in downtown Gainesville?
A: April 2023!
Q: What drew you to operate your business in downtown Gainesville?
A: We love the energy of being downtown. The downtown [Gainesville] community is so welcoming, and we love the diverse shops and other things to do.
Q: What kinds of products and/or services does your business offer to the public?
A: As our name suggests, we are known for our coffee. But we also have a full menu of breakfast and lunch items. We try to bring an international twist to common favorites like breakfast biscuits and Panini sandwiches.
Q: Can you give some examples of unique products and/or services you offer that aren’t easily replicated elsewhere in town?
A: First off, we offer farm-to-cup specialty coffee. We bring the coffee direct from our family farm in Brazil to the port in Savannah, and then roast it ourselves in small batches. We know exactly where the coffee comes from – we know who works on the farm. In fact, we (Murilo and I) even got married on the farm!
Q: What offerings are you most proud of and why? Give us the scoop!
A: Besides our in-house roasted coffee, we are really proud that we can offer the experience of coffee tastings. These sessions are about 60-90 minutes where we prepare five different types of coffee (different origins, roast levels, tasting notes) and sample them side by side. It is an engaging environment that talks about the production of coffee and discussion of everyone’s tasting notes and personal preferences.
Q: Do you target a specific audience? If so, can you please specify?
A: Obviously, coffee lovers are our main customer base, but we also really appreciate people new to coffee as well. So, anyone that is ready for an adventure is our target audience!
Q: If you aim to target everyone, can you please explain how and through what products and/or services?
A: Besides coffee, we do have a full range of really interesting non-coffee drinks, like our case of international bottled beverages, a lovely Chai (one of Oprah’s Favorite Things, actually!) and matchas.
Q: What is your favorite “must try” item you offer and why? Feel free to name more than one!
A: Our Brazilian cheese bread! It is the perfect savory snack that goes so well with any of our coffee drinks. Best part is it is gluten-free, too!
Q: In your own words, what makes your business a positive addition to the downtown cityscape?
A: We feel we offer a unique setting – letting you travel through coffee right on the square! We have travel-themed seating areas, complete with a first-class airplane seating, a train section, as well as a cruise ship.
Q: If you have other locations nearby, can you please provide what cities you’re located in?
A: Milton and Alpharetta!
Photo cutline | An employee of Boarding Pass Coffee, located at 106 Spring St. SW, Unit 140, at the street level of the Gainesville Renaissance building. Find additional photos shared via the @GainesvilleGeorgiaGovernment Facebook page.