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New Coffee Shop Nears Opening Date

Communities like meeting places, locations where the content of the cup varies with the patron and the accuracy of the story changes with the day.

They are places known for their quality of product, atmosphere and service.

It is what Pat Keen and his wife envision for their new business, "Beans and Steams." Beans and Steams is a new coffee house coming to Sidney. It is located between the shakes and sundaes, and pizzas and flautas.

"It is really a post-retirement dream, discussion between my wife and I," Keen said recently.

He said what started as a retirement project, or second career, developed into an outlet for the community.

Beans and Steams is a location focused on coffee drinks and light snacks. It is being designed with a welcoming atmosphere where the fireplace is inviting, the staff welcome customers and tables are available in the sunlit windows, further in the shade or for a bigger group in an open conference area.

The concept of Beans and Steams started when Keen and his wife started thinking about a retirement enterprise. They both worked at Cabela's and spent much of their career in projects.

"One thing that always gets shorted is training," he said.

The Keens recognize the importance of training and quality staff, and are working with a coffee house in Kearney, Barista's Daily Grind, to know everything there is to know about coffee drinks and service. They plan on at least three to four new employees spending time in Kearney for training, and the Keens themselves. Additionally, staff from Barista's Daily Grind will visit Beans and Steams to ensure the process is correct.

Keen said Beans and Steams will have three primary focus points: specialty coffee drinks; breakfast foods such as muffins, coffee cakes, scones and bagels; and the environment.

"We really have invested a lot into making this place cozy," he said.

Beans and Steams is designed with the customer in mind, from the placement of the drive-up and service windows to the organization of the espresso machines. Part of making Beans and Steams warm and welcoming is the lighting, and the fireplace that never runs out of logs, and is never too hot. Their goal is to be a local name "on the hill" with the fast service and high quality that earn franchises recognition.

The Keens anticipate opening the second week of December. Hours of operations are being determined. He said Beans and Steams will be open for the breakfast hour, likely starting at 6 a.m. to 6:30 a.m., and continue serving customers until 5 p.m.; later if needed.

 

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