Bikes Beans & Bordeaux gets an A for atmosphere

If you will remember, I've talked a lot in past articles about being very careful to not take a theme too far. I think Jen and Darrell did a nice job of making it known that they love cycling and their business honors that. However, the overall aesthetic of B3 does not hit you in the face with the cycling theme, which is refreshing. So many businesses take a theme so far that the space becomes a characiture of itself. There is a big difference between an inspired space and a themed space. Inspired is the key word you want to keep in mind when creating any type of aesthetic. This applies to the home too, but since the A for Atmoshpere articles are about local businesses, I will stay on topic. B3 is truly cycling inspired. Kudos to Jen and Darrell for getting this very important piece of the puzzle perfectly in place.

 

As mentioned in my first A for Atmosphere article, cleanliness is key in any business. It tells the clientele how much they matter. B3 is always clean as a whistle at all times. This includes the bathrooms, which really tell the story of how a business appreciates its clientele. The care and attention to detail the owners have taken to see to the cleanliness and appearance of the business is apparent. Not only is B3 clean, Jen and Darrell did an outstanding job on the decor, and with no professional help. You may need to sit down for this next fact: Neither owner has had any previous restaurant experience! Once you take that in, read on about the budget-conscious, clean, modern aesthetic they created through the decor. Jen and Darrell are well aware of the fact that it's not about where things come from, but how a space is pulled together. While B3 sports tables, chairs and two sofas from IKEA, Jen and Darrell also brought in granite countertops, barstools and window treatments that work harmoniously with their IKEA selections. I also have to commend them for understanding the importance of contrast. While the walls are the color of Merlot (Jen and Darrell even picked an eco-friendly paint color called Merlot!), the tables are beechwood and contrast the dark mood of the walls beautifully. The chocolate sofas, curtain panels, and espresso coffee table add another hint of contrast, along with the pops of brushed silver in the cycling inspired accents.

 

Next up is their choice of lighting for the space. I cannot say this enough: Lighting makes or breaks a space. Period! Jen and Darrell hit the mark again by not using florescent lighting in their entire dining and lounge space. Florescent lighting has killed many a chance for a business to be considered for an A for atmosphere article. While it's commendable to be green where you can, it is a fact that florescent lighting has its flaws in that its bulbs leak mercury into the landfills, and the type of lighting it puts out is simply unpleasant. It distorts colors, has a negative affect on a person's mood, and does not say, welcome, but "get to work!" B3, with it's halogen lights on dimmers, says "Come on in and hang out a while." It gives you a hug from the moment you walk in the door. What more can a customer ask from a favorite neighborhood hangout? Additional touches like fresh flowers on the coffee table, live plants on the dining tables by day and candlelight by night, add even more personality to this very special place. And if all this weren't enough to create the perfect neighborhood hangout, the walls are always filled by works from local artists. B3 truly is a local joint!

 

As mentioned in my first A for Atmosphere article, if the product or service offered at a business is not good, it's not even worth talking about the atmosphere. I must say Jen and Darrell got the recipe right in this department as well. Not only is the coffee, wine, and all the food on the menu terrifically healthy and tasty, but how many businesses, especially in the food service industry, have had the exact same staff in place since the beginning? Not many. B3 proudly employs the same staff that has been with them since day one. The wonderful staff members at B3 are a true reflection of the warm and caring personalities that Jen and Darrell possess themselves. A business's persona starts at the top. Jen and Darrell have managed to find people who mirror their commitment to excellence. All customers are treated as if they matter on every single visit. Whether you are in the mood for a glass of wine, a latte, or dinner and dessert, they truly appreciate you stopping by. 

 

Lastly, it is so important for a business to send a consistent message both inside and out, as well as in their printed materials such as business cards, menus, the logo, etc. The exterior of B3 is a perfect appetizer to the main course of what's inside. Once you meet Jen and Darrell in person, as well as the rest of the B3 staff, you have just had dessert. If you don't already call B3 your local hangout, don't hesitate to stop by, meet the owners, staff, your neighbors, and while enjoying your coffee, take in a master class in the importance of atmosphere. Congratulations Bikes Beans & Bordeaux. You get an astounding A for Atmosphere.