- November 23, 2024
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Management at the coffee shop turned bar-restaurant plan to roll out a new name and theme next month.
BY WAYNE GRANT | CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Big changes are brewing at Caffeine Bistro and Wine Bar, on West Granada Boulevard.
Under new ownership and with the indoor portion of the restaurant currently closed for remodeling, the company will reopen in August as Grind Gastropub and Kona Tiki Bar. The outdoor tiki bar, which got its own renovation, complete with a new roof, about two months ago, is open while the construction dust is still settling.
The new direction, led by new owner Kevin Wakefield, will be based on the London-style “gastropub” theme, which bypasses simple bar food for more offbeat options.
But it's not just the name and menu that are going to change. Inside, a couple of walls have been removed to open up the space. The décor will include lively pop art, antique brick walls, hardwood floors and turn-of-the-century light fixtures.
“It will be a rustic and comfortable feel, not pretentious,” Wakefield said. “But you’ll get the quality of food you find at pretentious restaurants.”
The Kona Tiki Bar will retain its casual atmosphere, though. In addition to the new roof, four flat-screen TVs and 20 new draft beers have been added, making it a “true garden pub,” Wakefield said.
“With two unique venues at one location, we hope to give the people of Ormond Beach a place to get an amazing meal or cocktail and feel comfortable, whether in flip flops or a suit.” Wakefield said.
Wakefield, who grew up in Volusia County and lived in Ormond Beach the past 15 years, became general manager of Caffeine last November. Before that, he worked as a bartender for many years at different locations while dreaming of opening his own business.
While working at Caffeine, he developed a business model, and the restaurant's then-owner, Bill Jones of Highlander Corp., liked his vision.
Wakefield and Jones agreed to have Wakefield take over ownership of the restaurant next month. Jones will be an investor and retain ownership of the buildings.
Wakefield sees this as an “amazing opportunity” to build a business.
“My starting point is the nicest venue around,” he said. “I love Ormond Beach. I’ve traveled a lot and I’ve found no better place.”
Chef Todd Chapdelaine, who boasts 20 years of culinary experience, also has lofty goals for Grind's menu, which he calls "high-end."
After graduating from Florida Culinary Institute, Chapdelaine worked in Hawaii for Roy Yamaguchi, who starred in "Iron Chef." Chapdelaine later worked at other Hawaii locations; he grew up in an Italian family; and he spent several years in Puerto Rico.
All of those influences are present in his culinary creations, he says.
Live music will also be provided seven days a week, in each venue. An acoustic guitarist may be playing outside, while the Gastropub might feature a disc jockey.
“People can walk from one to the other depending on what music they like,” Wakefield said.
Grind Gastropub and Kona Tiki Bar will be open 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Wednesday, and until 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, starting next month. Until then, the restaurant opens at 1 p.m. for lunch every day, noon Sundays.
Call 672-7277.
