The Artful Bean renovates, enjoys the perks
Many area restaurants use the offseason to upgrade, renovate and rejuvenate.
And the Artful Bean is no exception.
The numerous changes, which added nearly 15 additional seats inside the Bethany Beach coffee shop, "were necessary," co-owner Rose O'Hanlon said.
"We needed better flow," she added. "The old setup was not conducive for how busy we get, and with the old counter in the corner, the floor would easily get jammed with people trying to place and pick up orders."
By repositioning the counter a lot of un-used space has been properly utilized, she said.
A second counter area has been created, specially for picking up items, and is separate to where customers place an order. Another area has been dubbed the "coffee fixing station," and is equipped with fresh creams, sugar, local honey and cinnamon. The layout changes have even allowed room for a generous pastry display case, now fully stocked with housemade goodies.
The menu has also received a face-lift, with the help of professional chef, local restauranteur and friend, Jonathan Spivak. The new menu features handcrafted sandwiches, wraps and salads, in addition to a number of light and hearty breakfast options. Yogurt parfaits and healthy grab-n-go items, like fresh veggies and homemade hummus, are also available.
Several oversized couches have been swapped out to make room for more tables, including a large, one-of-a-kind communal dining table featured in the center of the space. The coffee shop's walls are still adorned with unique, eclectic and locally made artwork, and that is, "something that will never change," O'Hanlon said.
"People love that this place is also like an art gallery, it's what makes the Artful Bean special," she said. "It's what made us fall in love with it."
O'Hanlon, and her partner, Kim Warner, took over the Artful Bean in spring 2014. The couple moved to the Quiet Resort from New Jersey, after taking a liking to the area. They had talked about moving out of the city to "settle down" for years.
"I laugh because I am supposed to be retired," she said, referring to the work involved with running the shop. "But it's a labor of love. This place is my heart and soul."
BACKGROUND: Read about the Artful Bean's new owners
Other potential changes and improvements on the way include hosting more community events, like a coffee and dessert night featuring acoustic tunes. But one thing O'Hanlon maintains will never change, is how her customers will feel at the Artful Bean.
“Our customers mean everything to us,” she said. "And we want this to be a place where they want to gather, where people feel welcomed and relaxed. But we also want this to be a place where someone can feel confident about running in and out with a fresh coffee. And with these changes, we finally feel we can make both types of customers happy."
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302-537-1881, ext. 209
Artful Bean
Where: 20 N Pennsylvania Ave, Bethany Beach
When: 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily (after Memorial Day weekend)
Call: 302-541-8160
Visit: theartfulbean.com
New Artful Bean owners blend caffeine and creativity