Taproom owners open coffee bar, kitchen right next door
The owners of Alematic Artisan Ales in Huber Heights have opened a new coffee bar and kitchen in the former space of The Heights Café, next door to the taproom.
Jerrod Fisher, who owns the brewery and now B-Side Coffee Bar with business partners Mike Meholick and Greg Cason, said they talked for years about the possibility of adding coffee to the taproom. However, they couldn’t determine how to do it in terms of space.
When The Heights Café, at 6178 Chambersburg Road, closed in August after 12 years, Meholick said it was a “very serendipitous moment.” Fisher explained it was the perfect opportunity for them to acquire a kitchen space, more seating and a place to serve coffee.
Customers will be able to move between both spaces through a newly added doorway in addition to a newly expanded patio expected to open toward the end of April, Fisher said.
B-Side Coffee Bar will feature everything from drip coffee, pour overs and cold brew to espresso, lattes and teas. The bar will also have a large wine selection in addition to baked goods, bagels, breakfast sandwiches and more.
The owners noted they will have a limited food menu as they get started.
Fisher explained having a full kitchen allows them to have elevated bar food during taproom hours featuring chicken from Chicken Head’s and pizza and cookies from The Cookieologist, among other options.
“We’re very lucky to be able to work with other local small businesses,” Meholick said.
The coffee bar is sourcing coffee from multiple roasters throughout the Dayton area and state. Pettibone Coffee is the bar’s primary roaster, Fisher said. All syrups at the bar are made in-house.
The owners said they are looking forward to being the community’s only locally-owned coffee shop.
“We’re filling a hole in Huber Heights with having the coffee shop,” Fisher said. “Everything else is chain or commercial.”
“That’s a big part of who we are,” Meholick added. “People need somewhere to go. People need somewhere to call their own.”
B-Side Coffee Bar will have St. Patrick’s Daythemed drinks throughout opening weekend. The owners said they are still hiring for kitchen and bar staff.
For more information about B-Side Coffee Bar, visit www.bsidecoffeebar.com or the establishment’s Facebook or Instagram pages.