The Red and Black

Issue date: 6/18/09 Section: Variety

Media Credit: WAITES LASETER Aaron Vickroy, a recent graduate from Kennesaw, makes beverages at Two Story Coffee in Five Points on Wednesday. The building has a separate quiet area for studying. [Click to enlarge]

Editor's Note: Every week, variety writer Ashley Sanders will profile and review a different local coffee shop. This is the first installment in the series.

A coffee shop is a lot like a first date, you either feel it or you don't. But patrons of particular shops understand that the feeling lies far deeper than the drinks that so beautifully root back to a single rich coffee bean.

In political terms, the whole is truly greater than the sum of its parts.

There are reasons why a barista knows exactly what Dick and Jane are drinking everyday without so much as a mutter regarding their standard order.

So to better understand the inner workings of why one pays homage to Starbucks, Espresso Royale or Cups, among many others, the invasion of Athenian coffee shops is underway.

Two Story Coffeehouse, a budding spot located on Lumpkin Street, has managed to build a loyal clientele since its November debut.

If customers feel "right at home" upon entering, it's because, well, it's actually a house. "You can come in and you don't feel like you're coming into an establishment," said BillBush, a barista from Valdosta.

"We've designed the place so that when customers come in they'll stay here. It's not like you grab your coffee and go."

The main floor is a hub for friendly gatherings, outdoor patio banter and snug heart-to-hearts at the bar.

Students posted up in the three study rooms upstairs can enjoy their quiet time, however, as the coffeehouse is frequented by those opting out of the traditional library scene.

Continued...

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