Screen Shot 2013-09-19 at 2.12.39 PM

There’s just two days left in the season, and we’re down to the wire with the last few entries in our 2013 edition of “Build-Outs Of Summer”. It’s been a wild ride so far, but there’s still miles to go before we sleep. Today let’s take a look at the extensive internal rebuild happening at the Pavement Coffeehouse near Boston University. Up above is a concept drawing of the space (designed by Lana Kirby); down below are finished shots of the new interior.

As told to Sprudge by Wolfie Barn.

photo(8)

Can you tell us a bit about your new space?

This most recent renovation of ours is at our store on Commonwealth Ave, right at the heart of Boston University across from the BU Central T stop. It’s a big ol’ space, and is the final project in a series of renos rebranding our old “ERC” stores into “Pavement Coffeehouses.” The space is bright, with white stone, reclaimed wood, concrete tiles and huge pendant lights.

advert but first coffee cookbook now available

 

photo(7)

What’s your approach to serving coffee?

Pavement has always been about introducing great coffee to as many people as possible. At this location, our director of ops, Andy Lopilato, was interested in better accommodating two pretty different types of customers: those who want a place to hang out for a while, and those who just want a quick cup of coffee before their next class.

We kept our regular ol’ full menu point of sale closer to the back of the store, where you can order coffee, tea, espresso drinks, lunch sandwiches or bagels, which we bake at our bagel shop (Bagel Rising in Allston). But we also added a line at the front of the store for “coffee and tea only” so folks can come in and get a quick coffee between classes. Likewise, the seating at the back of the store is like a comfy study hall, while the seating at the front is mostly high tables and stools to sit briefly and wait or enjoy a quick espresso.

photo(1)

Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?

To accommodate the higher volume of our two PsOS, we’ve got two La Marzocco GB5s set up next to one another. During peak hours we can do some serious multi-barista workflow with one machine dedicated to shot pulling, and the other to steaming milk.

We’re excited about our new Mahlkonig EK 43 for drip coffee. Keeping in line with our goal of providing a variety of experiences for customers to choose from, we’re offering coffees from Counter Culture as batch, single-cup clevers, and a “coffee-for-two” service on Chemex.

photo(2)

Pavement Coffee’s newly tricked-out Common Ave location is now open! They’re located atย 736 Commonwealth Avenue, in the city of Boston. Follow them on Twitter @Pavementcoffee and on Facebook for more details.

Peruse a heaping helping of past Build-Outs in our generous archives.ย 

New Rules of Coffee banner advertising an illustrated guide to the essential rules for enjoying coffee