Editor?s note: Local Tech Wire concludes its eight-part series on ?Hot Spots? reviews with today?s look at java spots in the Triad by travel writer Renee Wright. We?ll keep the list of Atlanta, Charlotte, Triangle and Triad recommendations on our sight under ?Hot Spots? ? and we welcome your input. Send feedback to rsmith8@nc.rr.com.Where can you go for those all-important think-tank, early morning sessions?
Here are the java joints favored by Triad entrepreneurs:
Borders Books, Music & Cafe
Where: 254 Stratford Rd., Winston-Salem 336-727-8834
When To Go: To loosen up the creative process.
What It’s Like: In addition to the obvious pleasures listed in the name, what distinguishes Borders is the welcome it extends to browsers. Comfortable chairs encourage you to sit and stay a while. Full-service cafe means you don’t even have to leave to refuel.
Who Goes: Chris Patti of PAVE Advertising + Design likes to drop by for a cup of joe and a concepting session, inspired by a little browsing through new and ultra-expensive design annuals.
Carolina Coffee Roasting Company
Where: 400 State St., Greensboro 336-271-6533
When To Go: When you need a java jolt.
What It’s Like: Located in the pedestrian-friendly State Street Station shopping district, Carolina Coffee roasts its own top-quality arabica beans gathered from around the world. Enjoy a cup of small-batch in the classy interior or on the patio out back.
Who Goes: Charles Tuttle of the Piedmont Entrepreneurs Network thinks Carolina Coffee, owned by a local entrepreneur, is “cool. It beats Starbucks every time,” he says.
Pantera Bread
Where: 2400 Penny Road, High Point 336-812-4593
When To Go: For morning coffee or an informal lunch.
What It’s Like: Self-serve bakery-cafe serves fresh breakfast pastries and muffins to accompany the selection of gourmet javas. Lunch features soups and sandwiches made on Pantera’s “signature sourdough” or one of the other dozen types of bread they bake daily on-premises.
Who Goes: Located squarely in the geographic center of the Triad, and four miles from the regional airport, this Pantera location attracts business people from all the surrounding communities. Easy access from Wendover Avenue, Piedmont Parkway.
Suzie’s Diner
Where: 701 Highway 601 South, Kernersville 336-993-3313
When To Go: Suzie’s, located just off I-40 Business, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, and stays open 24 hours a day on the weekends, if you happen to hit town in the dead of night.
What It’s Like: Treasured by locals for its southern-style breakfast and plate lunch, Suzie’s offers good, unpretentious and reasonably priced food.
Who Goes: Jim Roberts of firstround.com finds this a convenient spot to meet with Ian Joyce of Spin Communications (spinlink.com) and other area entrepreneurs.
