Cup not even close to empty at new coffee shop

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This article was published 30/07/2021 (1710 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It wasn’t until he travelled aross the world that Marc Tallman realized he didn’t like most of the coffee being sold in local cafés.

“I loved the atmosphere, but I hated the coffee,” he told The Sou’wester.

Tallman decided he would open his own coffee shop with roasts that would appeal to a wider audience — something he felt was lacking in the market.

That dream became a reality this year when Empty Cup Collective welcomed customers to its Panet Rd. location on April 1.

“We roast a little longer and a little darker so you get a smoother, more well-balanced finish,” Tallman said.

The popular coffee shop is now expanding to include a third location on Academy Road after not even a year in business. There is also a second location scheduled to open in Sage Creek on Sept. 1.

Everything is roasted in-house, with Empty Cup being best-known for its cold brew coffee; it has a canning line, as well as a whole cold-brew system. In-store customers can try the cold brew on tap.

The upcoming Academy Road location will share characteristics with Tallman’s flagship store. When designing the original space, Tallman knew he wanted an “experiential cafe” where people wouldn’t feel intimidated and could learn about coffee.

“Everything is visible so you can see them working and see the espresso pouring,” Tallman said.

The new store will feature the same open concept, monochromatic colour theme and tile flooring. Beer and pizza will still be available in the evenings from Tallman’s brother’s business: Trans Canada Brewing Company.

“We took a lot of inspiration from this space, but it has different touches,” Tallman said.

Of course, customers can expect the same coffee that helped Empty Cup grow so much in the past year. Tallman hopes the canned cold brew it plans to carry will one day be sold in grocery and convenience stores.

“My dream has always been to have cold brew,” Tallman said. “In the States and Asia it’s huge, but it’s just starting to grow here.”

Until the new shops are open, you can visit Empty Cup Collective’s original location at 2-535 Panet Road. Business hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Tallman says he’s hoping for the Academy Road location to open on Nov. 1.
For more information, visit www.emptycup.co