Business & Tech
Bright Businesses: Steam & Chill
This popular coffee shop has expanded and now serves a full sit-down menu along with it's espresso bar.
ST. PETE BEACH- When John Vavourakis graduated from Countryside High School in Clearwater in 2009, he knew he wanted to do something different. At the time he was working at a coffee shop in St. Pete Beach. Vavourakis loved coffee especially a macchiato.
In late 2010 Jen's Java closed. Vavourakis and his mom Ruthie Buxbaum decided to open Steam in the same corner storefront in early 2011. The family-owned business seemed to be a natural fit. John’s sister Maddie also works at the coffee shop.
"I worked here for about a year (when the coffee shop was Jen's Java). My mom had owned a coffee shop," Vavourakis said.
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For Vavourakis it’s all about interacting with the customers.
"My favorite part is getting to know the customers and getting to talk to everybody... (The coffee shop) is very friendly; we get to know people," Vavourakis said.
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Steam serves locally roasted coffee with beans from all over the world. Menu items are prepared fresh daily. The shop's signature item is its mouthwatering "almost famous muffins." Loaded with fruit the shop bakes delectable varieties daily such as blueberry, cranberry orange with tangerine and banana walnut.
The most recent change is the addition of Chill. An adjacent cigar shop moved out and Steam opened up a wall creating an L-shaped shop with more than double the seating opportunities. Plus, the expanded menu offers more lunch, dinner and in between options.
Want to eat breakfast for $5? Steam & Chill has two scrambled eggs with cheese, a breakfast goodie and fresh fruit. Other breakfast choices include omelets, crepes, French toast and bagels (prices $2.25-$10.95).
Chill offers tapas. A customer favorite is the goat cheese tapenade terrine with herbed goat cheese layered with a fresh tapenade, sun dried tomatoes and fresh basil. (Appetizers/tapas are $4.25-$8.95)
Chill offers salads, wraps, paninis and entrees. A popular item is the curried chicken with quinoa and wilted spinach. (Entrees are $6.95- $11.95).
Steam & Chill has free Wi-Fi access; just ask for the password. They also have computers available. The shop located at 7410 Gulf Boulevard takes call in orders (727) 360-8080. Check the menus attached to this story for more details.
If you go Steam & Chill is open:
Monday- 6:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Tuesday through Thursday- 6:30 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday- 6:30 a.m. until midnight
Sunday- 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.