It's official! Shadowbox Live's coffee shop, The Backstage Bistro, is off and running, and the metaperformers of the popular performance troupe are celebrating with a Grand Opening on June 21st.
About a month ago, The Backstage Bistro had a "soft opening" when it began serving artisan coffee and gourmet pastries every morning, seven days a week without publicizing the launch of the new business.
"This is a brand new venture for us," said
Katy Psenicka, Director of Operations for Shadowbox Live. "There is a high standard of quality and service our patrons expect from us, and an even higher standard we expect from ourselves. So it was very important to understand how to operate the coffee shop before crowds of customers began pouring in."
To prepare for the very first day of operation, the management team of Shadowbox Live underwent an all day training session with Crimson Cup, the company providing the coffee for The Backstage Bistro. They had one day to learn everything there was to running a top-notch coffee shop, from pouring a just right shot of espresso to mastering recipes for frozen lattes.
"It was an intense day," recalls
Nikki Fagin, Shadowbox Live's Director of Media Relations. "Our time frame just didn't allow for multiple training days, so we did what we always do. We worked as long and as hard as it took to get it right."
The metaperformers-turned-baristas took turns practicing the various coffee making techniques, including timing each other's espresso shots. "It was really funny to see us all huddled around the espresso machine with little timers in our hands," laughs Fagin. "By the end of the day, we all felt we were ready to make a really good cup of coffee."
The very next day, the management team had a few hours to pass on what they knew to the handful of employees hired specifically to work in The Backstage Bistro.
"The staff at The Backstage Bistro has become incredibly proficient," says Psenicka. "And some of your favorite metaperformers are there quite often. If you stop by, your coffee just might be made by our drummer, The Beast, or by Shadowbox Live vets Tom Cardinal and
Stephanie Shull. You may have your order taken by popular vocalists
Noelle Grandison and
Nikki Fagin. And you might run into Executive producer and CEO himself, Stev Guyer!"
With a month under its belt, The Backstage Bistro has ironed out the kinks and will commemorate its opening with an all-day event inviting patrons to come enjoy $1 coffee and tea, iced or hot for either.
The Backstage Bistro also features products from some of the best local companies in the city. Currently available are muffins and scones from The Angry Baker in Olde Towne East, bagels from Block's Bagels on Broad Street, and gourmet cookies from The Rogue Bakery, an order-only bakery that delivers exclusively within the Columbus area.
"The space by itself is absolutely beautiful," said Psenicka, "but the products we're serving are really incredible. The coffee is amazing, and the pastries and bagels, all provided by local bakeries, are unique and delicious, like our Bacon, Swiss and Chive Scone or a bagel with Raspberry Jalapeno jelly or an Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Pecan Cherry cookie."
"We're throwing the doors wide open," she adds with a smile. "Come decide for yourself. You will love it!"
The Backstage Bistro Grand Opening will take place on Tuesday, June 21st, from 6:30 AM - 2:00 PM at 503 S. Front Street in the Brewery District. For more information, call Shadowbox Live at 614-416-7625, or visit
www.shadowboxlive.org.
