With the Exchange District, Corydon Avenue, and St. Boniface all enjoying quality espresso, it was about time West Broadway got a taste.
Thom Jon Hiebert and Graham Bargen, the shop's namesakes and proprietors, designed and built the shop from practically the ground up (seriously, I witnessed Graham buffing the newly installed floor, while TJ built the back counter and bar).
Their admiration for simplicity and craftsmanship is apparent throughout the shop, from the fixed-gear hanging on the wall, to the vintage sewing machines on the shelf.
Sharing the Sherbrook Street location in the back room of the café is Wilder Dry Goods, a joint operation between Brendon Friesen and Nathan Bezoplenko. Together they have been making bags, aprons, and other items and are excited to have a retail space to sell them. They've moved their Exchange District workshop and now work out of the back room of their retail space, behind the incredible barn-style door.
I'm excited to have them in the neighbourhood (less than 2 blocks from my apartment!) I expect Thom Bargen to become the morning version of Cousin's, a great place to hangout with neighbours and enjoy some quality beverages.