Press Release
FOR Sunday, November 29, 2 pm
Contact: Liz Swaine, Executive Director
Downtown Development Authority
318-455-2593

Downtown Welcomes Newest Business; Ribbon Cutting For Bon Temps Coffee Bar

Sunday, November 29 at 2 pm, downtown’s newest retail business will officially open its doors with a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration.

Owner Marcus Mitchell has spent the past several weeks making tweaks to the expansive coffee menu and training his baristas on the proper way to use the Nuova Simonelli Aurelia II Espresso Machine. The Italian import works by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee creating a taste that is completely different from commercially ground products. Using the machine, Mitchell and his crew can personalize the cup with the amount of coffee- and caffeine- requested by the customer.

Bon Temps Coffee Bar is Mitchell’s first foray into owning a business. A former member of the military who saw two tours of duty in Iraq and currently a crime scene investigator for the Shreveport Police Department, Mitchell has long dreamed of entrepreneurship.

“Bon Temps is much more than a coffee shop,” says Mitchell. “It’s a place for friends to meet and talk, a place for people to listen to live jazz in a laid-back environment, to enjoy art events and wine. I’d like Bon Temps to be the go-to place when people need a break from their hectic day to day, a boost of caffeine, or a laugh with friends.”

“Bon Temps is unique in its offerings,” says DDA executive director Liz Swaine, “and everything needed for success is right there. The product is super, the price is right, the customer service is solid. Everyone I’ve told about the place who has visited has had great things to say about it.  It’s going to be a good fit for the Red River District and downtown.”

Bon Temps’ owner Mitchell is committed to the community. Proceeds from every cup sold will go towards creating after school arts and tutoring programs in underprivileged neighborhoods.

Bon Temps will be open for business Sunday of the grand opening from 7 am until 10 pm, however, normal hours are:  7 am until 10 pm Monday-Thursday and 7 am- midnight Friday and Saturday, closed Sundays.

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