SOUTH BEND – Now tagged as the best place in town to have a “Brew with a View”, the Elixir Espresso shop is under new ownership.
Nancy Nisbet of South Bend. took ownership of the Elixir Espresso and Tea Shop in November 2013. And with only a few months in, Nisbet is looking at adding just one more thing to her menu of items that the shop is offering.
“I went to school for Floral Design, but have not had an opportunity to use it,” said Nisbet. “But now I am bringing in flowers starting this Valentine's Day.”
Along with the espresso, bakery items, and over 40 tea varieties that you can choose from, customers will now have the ability to pick up that single rose or order one of Nisbet’s custom designed bouquets.
“I am going to start small because I believe quality is the key,” Nisbet said. “I want to highlight some of my own designs, to let people see, and then grow into bigger things.”
Nisbet intends to shop as local as possible, and bring in only the freshest flowers.
“I will have arraignments, bouquets and expand into additional services if people need that, birthdays and things; I will have flowers in all the time,” she said.
The transition from previous owner Angela Timmons, was somewhat seamless as the shop has not closed during Nisbet’s purchase.
“I started working here the previous June, and almost right away had ideas of doing something more,' Nisbet added. “Come November last year, I took over.”
It is sometimes hard to tell what is more popular, espresso or tea. But there is also a light breakfast menu, lunch is available and of course those Friday fresh cinnamon rolls. Elixir sports no less than 40 varieties of tea, of which “Happy Tea” is a local favorite.
And for the kids they can always get a PB&J or PB & Banana sandwich as their parents can sit back to a nice fresh panini or a hot bowl of soup.
“I am no tea expert,” admits Nisbet, “but I am learning more and more everyday, mostly from my customers.”
While the menu has not changed, the interior is now a bit brighter with a new coat of paint to lighten up the sitting room.
“We some times hold meetings here,” Nisbet said. “Groups have come in to use the space, and we are available for hosting that kind of event if groups or families need that kind of space. We have games for those to use and have one of the best views of the harbor.”