Jan 17, 2019
Derek Geib has a unique and popular restaurant in Batavia with Bourbon & Burger Co. on Jackson Street.
However, while talking to his wife, Jen, he realized the city was lacking one thing — a true coffee shop.
With room next door to Bourbon & Burger, he decided to make an investment in Batavia. As a result, The Coffee Press is now open at 13 Jackson St.
“Every great town has a coffee shop, a place for people to meet, relax and enjoy coffee,” said Geib.
Then there is the newspaper angle. With a sandwich named after The Daily News and a metal newspaper tin in near-mint condition over 60 years old, the coffee shop is a tribute to newspapers. There are old typewriters and other sandwiches named after newspapers.
“The place needed an identity, a theme and Batavia has a rich newspaper history with The Daily News right here and next door used to be Marshall’s newsstand,” he said.
However, The Coffee Press is more than just coffee and specialty coffee and frozen drinks. There is a full menu of sandwiches, soups and paninis. There are also smoothies and other baked goods.
Despite a full kitchen next door, the Coffee Press is its own building and has a separate kitchen. It specializes in fresh food.
“Everything is fresh each day, the soups, salads and sandwiches,” said Geib. “Baked goods come in each day from Greg’ry’s Bakery in Bergen and they are selling well.”
The coffee is all fresh-roasted and is organic from Montana.
Geib employs 20 at Bourbon & Burger and his latest investment has six employees. He also likes the location with free parking.
“That was the appealing thing for Bourbon & Burger, the amount of free parking close to the building,” said Geib. “Jen had a lot of great ideas for the theme and the menu. We wanted something lighter and healthier.”
There is free WIFI, outlets near almost every table and a counter in the front window with bar stools to read the paper, have coffee and watch life in Batavia right in front of you. There are other tables, small couches and comfortable reading chairs as well. In the back is a large wood meeting table that seats eight.
“In just the few weeks we have been open, there are people who come in two to three days a week to work,” said Geib. “We are proud to have a great meeting place between Rochester and Buffalo. We also welcome anyone who wants to have a meeting to use the space and the large table.”
The general manager of The Coffee Press is Josiah Putnam. It is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Coffee Press on Facebook at facebook.com/thecoffeepress13 and can be reached by phone at (585) 483-3096.
