Coffee House Finds Ideal Home In Historic Ybor City Building

YBOR CITY, FL — Although it opened Nov. 28 in the old Bunker space at 1907 N. 19th St. in Ybor City, Foundation Coffee Co. made it official Thursday, hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce.

Foundation Coffee Co. is the creation of Jason Smith in September 2015, owner of the Riverview-based Outdoor Impressions in Riverview, specializing in designing outdoor kitchens, waterfalls, fireplaces and other outdoor features, and his wife, Emily.

Both coffee lovers, they set out to become multi-roasters, brewing the best specialty coffees they could find.

After testing the waters by opening Foundation Coffee Co. in a custom-built trailer at Outdoor Impressions, 10020 Carr Road, Riverview, where coffee lovers could sip the brew in the luxury of Smith's custom-built showcase patios, they opened in Tampa Heights in 2016 and then relocated to Ybor City last year.

"We strive hard daily to learn and practice brewing methods from the best teachers in the industry," said Smith. "We have a passion to make sure what's in your cup represents the barista that extracted it, the roaster who roasted it, and the farmer who nurtured it all the way back at its origin."

The Smiths said their hallmark is great taste and exceptional service, hiring baristas who are experienced in making espresso, latte, chai and other specialty teas and coffees, both cold and hot.

Additionally, Foundation Coffee Co. offers fresh baked goods to go with that morning cup along with some soup, sandwich and salad specials for the lunchtime crowd.

The Smiths say Foundation Coffee Co.'s new home in the historic Ybor City building is the ideal environment for creating and serving the time-honored brew that dates back to 15th-century southern Arabia.

Foundation Coffee is open Sundays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.