NEW DRINKS ON THE MENU
Beanz Espresso Bar & Café in Charlottetown now has a liquor licence
Kaan Ulkan has only been running Beanz Espresso Bar and Café in Charlottetown for six months, but he’s already in the midst of some big changes.
Ulkan and his wife, Gursal, took over the coffee shop in April from long-time owners Lori Kays and Doug Hurry, keeping the name and staff.
Now, he’s starting to make some changes, beginning with getting a liquor license, giving customers the option of sitting and having a beer, glass of wine, cognac or simply putting some Bailey’s in their coffee.
“I like beer, especially in the summertime,’’ Kaan Ulkan told The Guardian recently when asked why he decided to start serving alcohol in a coffee shop. “I’m a social drinker. On Victoria Row I love to sit down there, have a beer and watch as people pass by. That struck me.’’
He stresses that Beanz will not be attracting a late-night bar crowd. They won’t be open any later than 7 p.m.
The shy but affable Turkish native is also promoting happy hour on Thursday’s every week to promote the fact the shop now serves alcohol. During happy hour, patrons are also offered some gourmet complimentary snacks.
But, perhaps the most ambitious change is one he hasn’t made a final decision on yet, a retractable roof for the patio that would allow patrons to sit outside year-round.
“I’d like to cover our patio and I’d put up a propane bonfire inside so the people, even when it’s raining or snowing, can sit outside. There will be heaters . . . and it would be fully retractable sun roof.’’
Ulkan estimates his idea would cost him about $150,000. He’d also need permission from the landlord who owns the patio section of the business.
Ulkan said he thought long and hard before applying for a liquor licence.
“I’m worried that Islanders don’t like change so I was afraid to apply for a liquor licence. I’m a hard learner. I learn everything the hard way,’’ he said, with a chuckle.
The customers inside Beanz on Thursday were giving the changes two big thumbs up.
“I think it’s fine if someone wants to come into a coffee shop and have a beer or a glass of wine instead of a coffee,’’ said Ronald McInnis. “You can go down to the bottom of Queen Street and they’ll do your nails and your hair and you can have a glass of wine . . . and I hear they’re doing really well.
“I think it’s good for the downtown and the business community,’’ agreed Frank MacDonald.