Just before the dawn of the new year and amidst the holiday rush, owners of The Kookaburra Aussie-American espresso bar and pie shop, Spencer Hooker and Megan Vidal, opened the doors of the new Kookaburra 312. Situated at the intersection of Hwy. U.S. 1 and State Road 312, this second Kookaburra location is a convenient option for locals living and working outside of downtown, as well as those looking to sit, sip and stay.
Spencer prepares a cup of Bold Bean brew using the pour-over method.
WHY 312?
The opening of the new 312 location is a natural progression for The Kookaburra. The space not only meets the need for an in-house commercial kitchen, but satisfies Spencer and Megan’s shared desire to provide a spacious café setting, opposed to the more grab and go structure the downtown location on Cathedral Place has become known for.
Drawn to the shopping center’s central location and having desirable neighbors, such as Nettles Fine Jewelry, Schmagel’s Bagels, and Chipotle, Spencer and Megan saw the center as a prime locale for The Kookaburra to grow into. Already, the new Kookaburra is proving to be a local go-to.
“We’ve always wanted to be a local spot,” said Megan. “We’re getting a ton of our regulars, plus all the locals who wouldn’t go downtown.”
NEW KOOK FEATURES
Behold, a panoramic view from inside The Kookaburra 312.
In addition to signature Kookaburra staples, like exclusively serving Bold Bean Coffee and their Aussie-inspired menu items, the new space is home to new amenities. Here are five features of the 312 spot.
1. Custom Bar: Thanks to a spacious, open bar setup, baristas have plenty of room to move around, plus customers get to see everything up close. Patrons can sit at one of the stools lining the sides of this custom-built bar and watch as their coffee or tea is crafted with care. This open structure fosters somewhat of a coffee playground feel.
Along with more traditional coffee or tea options, The Kook offers specialties such as the Aussie Iced Coffee (also served hot), and The Honey Badger (a honey-infused latte with vanilla and cinnamon).
2. Commercial Kitchen: Nestled out of public view is the commercial kitchen, where pie baking and other pastry magic happens. The Kookaburra team is excited to expand upon their selection of baked items now that they have the space of their very own in which to do so.
Pictured below is one of The Kook’s signature, savory meat pies, fresh out of the oven, ready to be indulged upon. For non-meat eaters, The Kookaburra offers a vegetarian curry option.
3. Table Service: Thanks to a number of seating options, if you decide to sit and stay after ordering, baristas will bring your purchases right to your table. A repurposed flight attendant cart situated in the rear of the space, displays water to serve yourself, and finishing touches to add to your coffee or tea.
4. Working Space: Whether studying, reading, working, or simply relaxing, guests can enjoy sitting atop a long bench seating option, lined with tall tables and stools. This workspace feature includes a number of electrical outlets to power your laptop or other electronic devices.
5. Community Ambiance: The floor-to-ceiling front windows bring in endless light, making this already expansive, open space feel even more warm and welcoming. And because there is plenty of room to spread out, The Kookaburra now has the opportunity to truly and more fully exist as a community space. Live music is something that has already been worked into the mix, and beer and wine are noted as coming soon, making The Kookaburra inviting well into the evening hours.
Location and Hours: The Kookaburra 312 is located at the corner of Hwy. U.S. 1 and State Road 312 in the Seabridge Square Plaza. Currently open 6:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday – Saturday, and 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Sunday.
To learn more about The Kook, visit kookaburrashop.com, or follow along daily on Instagram @thekookaburra.
