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Organic Coffee House Brews Up Homegrown Spirit

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By Mark  Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: November 8, 2008

TARPON SPRINGS - Jennifer Halkias was driving along Alt. 19 to the Sponge Docks when she saw a sign announcing Eco Bean Organic Coffee House. She just had to stop in.

A former Tarpon Springs High School teacher who now cares for her new little daughter, Halkias said she had to support an independent coffee shop.

Coffee just tastes different and better when it comes from an independent shop, than when it comes from a corporate store, she said.

Now the Palm Harbor resident plans to stop in whenever she is in Tarpon Springs.

Those are just the comments that Rachel Gause and her sister-in-law, B.J. Gause, hear when someone finds the little coffee house at 501 N. Pinellas Ave. Alt. 19 is also called Pinellas Avenue.

Rachel and husband David Gause opened the coffee house this summer. It had previously been known as the Lighthouse. B.J. is married to David's brother, Gunnar.

When they recently erected their own sign, many who seek out organically grown drinks and fair trade coffee began to drop by, Rachel said. Slowly the word is getting out, she said.

Their coffees, teas and other fruit- and vegetable-based drinks are organically grown. The coffee goes through a reverse-osmosis filtering system, which allows people to really taste the brew, she said.

The cups the beverages and served in - and even the insulating sleeves the cups come with - are biodegradable.

No traditional carbonated soda beverages are sold in the store. Treats offered include vegan cakes and healthy snacks for all ages.

Bob Mayne, a local who frequented the Lighthouse coffee shop, said the Gauses have created a much better place. They are socially conscious and created a friendly and more homespun feel, he said.

"We are not a coffee shop," B.J. stressed. "We are a coffee house. We want people to feel like they are coming home to relax when they come in."

Customers can stay and use their laptop computer, since the Eco Bean offers Wi-Fi Internet access, or read a book.

Many coffee drinkers are looking for a homey and welcoming alternative to the corporate coffee shop.

They are looking for warm and friendly vibes offered in a coffee house, she added.

A writers group has already starting meeting at the Eco Bean and soon music will be offered on Tuesday nights.

The Eco Bean Organic Coffee House will keep its drink prices - on all the lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, chai teas, juices and other specialty coffee drinks - fair and affordable, Rachel said.

Prices are in the $2 to $3 range, additional flavors are just a few cents extra.

The Eco Bean is open from 7 a.m. until around 7 p.m., seven days a week.

Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.

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