 |
|
|
|
Photograph by Skye Dunlap
Coffee and More owner Jian M. Azad shows off the 'and more' portion of his menu.
Coffee and More: a spot for relaxing on Murphy
'I know maybe 50, 60 percent of customers by name,' the owner says
By Joann Liao
Tables dot the sidewalk cafe-style outside Coffee and More. Quiet music drifts from the interior, where work by local artists hangs on the walls. Polished wood tables and large sofas create a relaxed atmosphere inside the coffee shop. A little water fountain with cupids clinging to the side stands in one corner.
"I've made the place more warm and cozy and comfortable," said owner Jian Azad. "We rebuilt everything from scratch."
Coffee and More has been open for 10 months, replacing a coffee bean distributing company that formerly occupied the site. For Azad, it was the perfect spot for his new shop. "I liked this street for a long time," he said. "In my school days I used to come here."
Azad works hard to create a homey atmosphere, and he loves interacting with customers. "I know maybe 50, 60 percent of the customers by name. It's like a friendship," Azad said. "I like overhearing people on their cell phones, and they tell their friends, 'I'm at Jian's,' like they're at my residence. It makes me feel good. That's the style of it, it's more personal."
As its name promises, Coffee and More offers more than just coffee. Customers can choose from a selection of beer, wine, champagne and fruit smoothies. Appetizers range from crackers and cheese to smoked salmon and cost between $5 and $7. Sandwich options include hot pastrami and Norwegian smoked salmon and cost between $4.50 and $6.50. The menu includes an assortment of gelato and sorbetto, as well as other desserts and pastries.
On Friday and Saturday evenings, Coffee and More also offers its customers live music. Azad tries to pick local bands whose music fits the atmosphere of his shop. "We cater mostly to the 25 and older group," Azad said. "The music we're looking for is more relaxing, so you can hear yourself talking." He has had groups that played everything from jazz and blues to pop rock. One of the more well-known local groups he has had play for him was a band called Holiday.
Azad has dreamed of owning his own restaurant for a while. He has worked for places such as the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose. "I've been in the industry for years and years working for hotels and chains," Azad said. "After awhile I decided I didn't want to be a part of a corporation anymore. It was time to simplify life."
Coffee and More is at 100 Murphy Avenue, No. 1, at the corner of Murphy and Evelyn avenues. It is open Monday 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. or later. Weekend hours are Saturday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. or later, and Sunday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
|
|
|
|
Sunnyvale, California Since 1994
