In Midtown, caffeine for the storm weary

Posted 2:30 p.m.

He didn’t want to stay home, so he’s making coffee.

Jonathan Elkins, manager at Retrospect, the coffee shop that opened in the 1920s-era Gulf Oil station at 3704 La Branch near the central campus of Houston Community College, walked to work today.

The yellow glow of Edison bulbs from inside the historic landmark is easily visible, almost beacon-like, through the gray haze of Midtown. Inside, the whir of the grinder fills the small space. Elkins is pulling shots of espresso and making Americanos for a trio of Houstonians who live in the neighborhood. “We ran out of beans,” one says.

It’s not a grave situation. Not considering. But anyone who depends on coffee to get through the day fears that brain-cracking headache that can develop if you go too long without it.

Elkins hands over the drinks, then gives the friends a bag of beans from Amaya Roasting Company. He offers to grind them. A minute later, he emerges from behind the counter, sticking out his hand, grounds in his palm: “Is that about right?”

He remembers working a 14-hour shift at a restaurant downtown during Hurricane Ike. “Everyone was in a bad mood,” he says. “We were the only place that was open. So many people lost power.”

But he says he wanted to do something today. “We’re not technically open,” he says, but he’s here, all the same. “I texted some friends and said, ‘Come on by.’ I’ve had a couple come by already. I just wanted out the house.”

It’s a small gesture, but these Houstonians are grateful. They’re going to need the energy.