If you’ve never been to Sip & Kranz, let me tell you a little about the place. Located at 901 NW 10th Avenue, right next to Jamison Square in the heart of the pearl, it’s the perfect spot for a coffee house. It’s spacious design is Scandinavian modern, with clean lines, and floor to ceiling windows that flood it with natural light. In the back, there is a kids room full of toys, a chalkboard wall, and a giant flat screen tv for movies. The menu is simple, with lots of kid friendly food, including pb&j, organic orange juice and goldfish! The adults are treated to stumptown coffee, a small selection of beer and wine, and soups and sandwiches.
Many a hip urban family come to sip coffee and eat a tasty treat while their children play in the playroom. On a nice day there will be a mixed crowd of art students, retireees, work at homes, and singles relaxing outside in the sun, while inside is brimming with children and families. This is a great place for everyone to come and mingle.
Jim, new manager of Sip & Kranz, former general manager of St. Honore Boulangerie, has taken a hands on approach, and is working to create a clean, friendly coffee house. When I asked him what changes he had made since he’d been hired, he said, “the noticable changes that I hope the customers will see include, higher level of cleanliness, consistency, and quality…and most of all improved customer service. I inherited some employees that are no longer with us, it takes time to change and retrain a new culture in a food service environment.” When I asked him if he had any events planned for this winter, he said that there was nothing planned so far, but that he welcomed any suggestions, groups or events.
P.S.
I have been meaning to write about this place for some time. When it first opened, I was very excited about the idea but the management was very inexperienced, and it showed. Often the coffee was cold, the lines moved very slowly, (despite the seven employees behind the counter), and you might get your espresso drink in ten or fifteen minutes. It was awful and I was disappointed. I’d rather announce a great find than to complain about another good idea being executed poorly. However, Sip & Kranz has made some changes for the better. It is under new management and many of the old problems have been addressed. So now i can write freely about how great the place is!
