| photography by Brian Hutson |
AVOCA coffee roasters opened its second location on June 6 nestled in a narrow space at 835 Foch St. Founders Garold LaRue and Jimmy Story opened the original AVOCA location on Magnolia in 2011. It has since kept customers coming back with latte art, a laid-back, sit-and-stay-awhile coffee shop vibe, Taco Heads tacos and, more recently, regular appearances by Yatai Food Kart in the parking lot.
The owners say they have been eyeing the West 7th adjacent spot for some time.
"The community has supported AVOCA since we opened our doors on Magnolia," said Story. "We're excited for the opportunity to open on the other side of town to serve more locals."
The 2,000-square-foot space is finished out, thanks to a who's who of local vendors. The store mimics the original brick and mortar with Western-inspired colors, concrete floors and light-colored walls. The walls come to life, thanks to a mural by Denton-based contemporary artist Kelsey Heimerman that features seven samurais and seven cowboys facing off. The piece represents the films The Magnificent Seven and Seven Samurai - a nod to the roasters" Japanese and Western inspiration.
Local terrarium maker, Ephemera, is responsible for the eclectic centerpieces filled with succulents and other often-unexpected objects for the tables. Popular Fort Worth reclaimed furniture designer, PalletSmart, designed and built the indoor tables and picnic tables for the enclosed patio. Wall-sized garage doors can be raised to allow fresh air to flow through the whole space.
AVOCA Foch Street provides all the same roasts from the Magnolia location plus some welcome additions. Craft coffee lovers can enjoy cold brew from the tap in the coffee shop or to go in refillable growlers, available for purchase. The new location also offers an expanded assortment of bakery treats from local favorites including McKinley's Bakery & Cafe, Stir Crazy Baked Goods, Swiss Pastry Shop and Spiral Diner. Story is especially excited about serving items from Boopa's Bagel Deli, a Far North Fort Worth shop that makes authentic New York-style vegan bagels boiled in water.
LaRue and Story chose to open another location because many of their friends, fellow business owners and clients are located in the West Seventh District.
"The AVOCA team is more than ready to open our doors and welcome fellow craft coffee lovers into our cool new Foch Street space," said LaRue.