Kool Bean Bistro: From paper plates to whimsical charm
When Nancy Crass opened Kool Bean Bistro more than a decade ago, she had no idea what she was in for.
The Philadelphia native had worked as an emergency room nurse for nearly 20 years before inheriting the coastal Delaware cafe from family.
Back then, the space was small, with a coffee bar and three tables. Pastries and sandwiches were served to customers on paper plates.
"We've come a long way," she said, smiling.
Twelve years later, Kool Bean Bistro, located on Atlantic Avenue in Ocean View, can easily seat more than 40 guests. Colorful, mismatched dishes have replaced the paper plates and the menu is made entirely from scratch.
"I learned pretty quickly how important it was to make everything, absolutely everything, fresh," she said.
Crass even built a cut out of the kitchen in the dining room so guests can see their food being prepared.
The menu features gourmet options like smoked salmon BLTs, feta frittatas, sweet and savory crepes, tomato parmesan soup and shredded pork sandwiches served on fresh brioche rolls.
The Bistro offers an abundance of coffee drinks, like lattes, cappuccinos, espressos and macchiatos made with Coastal Coffee Roasters. Chai teas, fresh fruit smoothies, mimosas, bloody marys, strawberry spiked lemonade and red and white wines are also offered.
"We have a little something for everyone, but we are still special, still unique," she said. "We have certainly come into our own here."
But finding a niche wasn't easy.
Crass knew from the start, in order to keep the business afloat, she would have to make the restaurant stand out in an area already saturated with successful eateries. At times, she often felt, "in over her head."
There was one thing, though, that the retired nurse brought to the table with confidence: strong decorating skills.
She's used her knack for contrasting colors and transformed the once small space into an eclectic, whimsical bistro. The restaurant now features copper ceilings and hard wood floors, antique book shelves filled with romantic novels and cook books, porcelain trinkets and old family heirlooms like a hand painted elephant from India.
Each table is draped in white linen and features a small vase with fresh flowers. Old, stained glass panes hang from the windows, casting shades of green, gold and lilac into the dining room.
The walls are adorned with an array of artwork — oversized clocks, colorful paintings, motivational posters and funny sayings — all different but collectively, seemingly destined to share the space.
"Decorating has always come easy to me," she said. "I just really enjoy it."
In addition to creating a funky and inviting atmosphere over the years, Crass has focused on building lasting, meaningful relationships with her customers.
To offer a new and exciting experience, Crass and her chefs craft a new brunch menu every Sunday, featuring options like eggs Benedict with creamy, homemade hollandaise, breakfast burritos, freshly baked scones and blackberry waffles.
She offers a reduced ladies' lunch on Wednesdays and also offers a locals' breakfast special for $5.99 every morning.
"I have regulars who I consider family," she said. "Decorating and creating menus are fun, but my customers are what really matters. They are why we've been around for so long. They are everything."
Kool Bean Bistro
Where: 111 Atlantic Ave, Ocean View.
When: 8:00 am - 2:30 pm Monday and Wednesday-Sunday
Call: 302-541-5377
Visit: koolbeanbistro.com
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302-537-1881, ext. 209