COFFEE TIME AT CLEMENTINA
Café Clementina, promising fresh flavours and a cozy gathering spot, opened on August 30, co-owners Shauni Haggerty and Allyson Padgett previously held management roles at their previous cafe. They eventually wanted a space where they could express their creativity and apply their industry expertise. With limited career growth and their former cafe up for sale, they considered buying it. When they couldn’t purchase the cafe, they decided to start one of their own.
They said Café Clementina will stand out by offering a comfortable space to work, study and socialize—along with robust tea options and a full matcha menu.
“We’re excited to host events, get to know the community even more, and create a space where everything feels safe and welcome,” Haggerty said.
Construction began nearly a year ago—around the same time they began exploring financing and rental options. They’ve faced several challenges along the way.
“We have a combined total of about 17 years in the service industry, but everything has come with a learning curve,” Padgett said.
“There are many parts that felt intuitive, but many that didn’t, despite our experience,” she said.
Their biggest challenge has been securing financing, particularly as first-time business owners in the restaurant industry.
“Thankfully, we’ve had so many amazing people supporting us in different ways, and that’s how we’ve made it this far,” Haggerty said.
“But I won’t lie, securing financing, especially for a restaurant, has been a huge hurdle.”
Haggerty said they’re currently roasting coffee at the KW Coffee Collective. Their current goal is to buy a roaster and roast some in-house coffee; they also plan to import Honduran coffee directly from a farmer who supplies them.
“Allyson is from Honduras and still has family back home, so we would love to make connections with growers and buy from them directly,” Haggerty said.
“The great thing about KW is that most people are always willing to try new things, and there isn’t a lot of Honduran representation in the community,” Padgett said. “We’re excited to be able to offer something potentially new and exciting to customers, alongside favourites everyone knows and loves,” she said.
They encourage future patrons to stay in touch through their Instagram @cafeclementina_.
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