The fun-loving Florida coffee company Banyan Coffee has parked its 1984 Cushman Truckster in order to open a full brick-and-mortar roastery cafe in Manatee County.
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What are the best coffee shops in Sarasota-Manatee? Here s our guide
From artisan establishments to more casual, low-key spots, some of the best local places to grab a cup of coffee.
Whether it s a needed jolt of caffeine in the morning, or an inviting atmosphere to meet someone or spend some alone time while sipping a drink, the appeal of a good coffee shop is timeless. Thankfully, there are plenty of such standout spots to choose from in Sarasota-Manatee.
Sadly, we did lose downtown Bradenton coffee shops Oscura Café and Bar and Tellers last year. Yet in just the past few months, we ve also seen the openings of Cremesh Coffee and Bakery in Bradenton, Rise Coffee Co. & Nye s Cream Sandwiches in Sarasota and Tenth Street Coffee in Palmetto. Then there are all the long-running local coffeehouse favorites, ranging from artisan establishments to low-key, casual spots.
The Banyan Coffee Co. Cushman Truckster. All images courtesy of Banyan Coffee Co. unless otherwise noted.
A new specialty coffee roaster on Florida’s Gulf Coast called Banyan Coffee Co. has been making its presence known in the Bradenton and Sarasota area through a converted 1984 Cushman Truckster.
The slow-cruising, light-duty, 80s-era service vehicle is a fitting ambassador for the laid-back brand created by founders Josh and Abbey Schmitt. While nodding to sunny Florida’s cool, shade-providing banyan trees and forests, the brand is also inspired by 1980s cultural phenomena like the mullet hairdo.
Banyan Coffee Co. Co-Founders Abbey and Josh Schmitt.
The business is co-owned by Victor Mattay of Dips Ice Cream, Brian Seymour of Anna Maria General Store and Nicholas Graham of Graham Slam Fishing Charters. The three also operate Pine Avenue Bait and Tackle in Anna Maria.
“We want people to come out here and have fun – family, friends, any age group,” said Graham about the restaurant, “whether it be kids in the afternoon getting ice cream or the adults coming out for sunset, having a beer or a glass of wine or some dinner.”
City Pier Grill features breakfast 7-11 a.m., with menu items like pancakes, waffles, a breakfast sandwich, biscuits and gravy and bagel and lox. It also serves coffee and tea from Banyan Coffee Co. and juice from Mixon Fruit Farms, both of which are based in Bradenton.