The Spark Notes Version, 1996-Present Day
We’re Dave’s Coffee. We love coffee. We love what we do. We don’t mess around.
History
Oh Dave’s Coffee. That little 4.25 room section of 5193 Old Post Road. The coffee. The muffins. The story.
It all began with Galapagos, Dave’s next door neighbor. Owners David and Sandra Lanning first opened the doors to Galapagos Collection Inc (known today simply as Galapagos). on September 1st, 1997. Nestled neatly besides the teapots, local photographs, books, cards, and of course clothing which adorned their first inventory was a small Bunn coffee maker, which dispensed a complementary cup to all customers. And from that, Dave’s Coffee was born.
For the first four years, Dave’s Coffee was nothing more than a coffee and espresso machine occupying an 8 foot by 5 foot rectangle in the back of Galapagos. But in 2002, with the acquisition of the former Cedar Island Builders’ office which occupied the other half of the building, plans were drawn up to expand Dave’s into a full fledged coffee bar.
And so it was. In early 2003, the paint had dried, the tables were set, and the beans were brewing; Dave’s was ready for business. It was a whole new experience from our previous “location.” With a full bar, pastry case, soda cooler, internet station, smoothie bar, kitchen, bathroom, and seating for 20+, it was time to show Rhode Island what we were made of.
Over the years, we’ve gained a reputation for quality and dedication, as well as the support of the full time and summer residents of Southern Rhode Island and Connecticut. We’ve been voted Best Coffee by Rhode Island Monthly and The Westerly Sun, appeared in national publications such as Yankee Magazine,and have been named one of the “Places that make the shore special” by The Providence Journal.
We always aim to make you the best cup of coffee you’ve ever had, and will continue to do so for many years to come. Together, we make Dave’s a landmark of the Rhode Island coast.
Fun Facts
- The building that houses Dave’s Coffee was built in the 1760′s by Revolutionary War General and Rhode Island Senator Joseph Stanton IV. The property was a part of Stanton’s estate, along with the present day sites of the Wilcox Tavern and General Staton Inn.
- The technical name for the style of house which, well, houses Dave’s Coffee is a “Salt Box”
- Up until the 1930′s, the site of Dave’s Coffee served as a home to over 150 years worth of families.
- Previously, there has been a food market, bed and breakfast, antique shop, real estate office, and bistro were Dave’s is now located.
If you have any questions, just send us an email at dave@davescoffee.com!
