The business represents a marked change from the days when Andy Balas' family occupied his world of running to doctors and hospitals. Mainly, Andy Balas credits his parents. The family's two-story, spacious cafe features such touches as a loft for board games, a jukebox and a fireplace. A library is off the European-style main meeting room downstairs. Students can find quiet for studying in the library.
Artwork adorns the walls.
A long counter serves as the main focal point with its array of coffee selections and case of dessert delicacies to complement the light soup, sandwich and salad menu. Mark Jamison, a former St. Vincent-St. Mary High School English teacher who was Andy Balas' tutor in his high school years and has become a family friend, has been to many European coffeehouses, and said this one suits Balas. He definitely already had a Ph.D. in hanging out, which is one of the requirements,'' said Jamison, who now teaches at Coventry High School. Jamison said, noting Andy Balas' wishes for a fireplace and loft that overlooks the coffeehouse.