What do an IT specialist who loves to surf and a synchronized figure skater with a fashion industry background have in common? Randy and Joan Coleman love good coffee — to the point where their passion for the brew not only drew them together but got them growing and roasting their own beans before opening Baya Rica Cafe in 2013.
“It’s completely different from anything that either of us have ever done,” says Joan. “It’s what we feel passionate about.” So far, so great. “I’m super jazzed,” says Randy. “These are exciting, challenging times.” One of the few coffee hangouts in Calgary with its own in-house roaster, Baya Rica serves freshly roasted, freshly ground specialty coffee from Costa Rica in a quaint yellow bungalow in Bridgeland.
Tucked away in Bridgeland near First Avenue and 7A Street Northeast, Bayarica is located in a mustard-coloured, converted house. They have house-roasted beans, and they know how to make a good Americano, which is important. A lot of places don’t know that’s supposed to be a double shot! They have nice local art and a mix of taller chairs along the front windows that are good for reading and writing, lower chairs for computer work and even a couple of spots outside.