Something New is Brewin’ at Reynolds Garden Center
By Elaine Sisko, Staff Writer at Reynolds Landscaping
Unique, one-of-a kind furnishings and accessories for the home and garden, fashionable women’s clothing, jewelry, and custom-designed floral displays, not to mention essential plants for the garden — The Reynolds Garden Shops invite strolling and meandering. Customers confess to spending hours browsing through this maze of enticing, quaint out-buildings and barns stretching over four storefronts on Bay Avenue in Manahawkin. Bleary-eyed and weary, patrons head home at the end of the day to recharge over libations and refreshments — recovering from a satisfying day of shopping. As enjoyable and rewarding an experience that it may be, many customers have confided to the Reynolds family and staff that only one detail could improve their shopping experience — refreshments, caffeine, and sweets to recharge their energy for another circuit around the grounds. The Reynolds family, spearheaded by Luke Reynolds, responded to fill this void. As a result, The Café at Reynolds celebrated its grand opening in March of 2021.
The concept may have developed from the suggestions of patrons however, the design was driven by function and necessity. Space constraints mandated that the coffee bar be small enough to fit into The Garden Shop without infringing on valuable sales space. It needed to be eye-catching and discriminating in its offerings to attract the client with a palate for fine espresso-based drinks. Based on necessity, the coffee bar was located in the largest section of The Garden Shop — the pole barn.
Every detail was considered to create a design for The Café at Reynolds that was both ergonomic and efficient — using sustainable materials to produce an environmentally friendly, warm, and inviting setting. The bar façade was constructed from reclaimed mahogany deck boards garnered from previous landscaping projects. Old joists from the original garden shop floor became the structural beams for the serving counter and utility areas.
The countertops were formed from poured concrete — a durable surface that is both easy to clean and stylish. Cappuccino, latte, mocha, macchiato — espresso-based drinks offered at The Café at Reynolds — showcase beans of the highest quality and diversity. Peru, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Congo, Mexico, and Tanzania — beans from around the world are roasted locally to coffee bar specifications. The selection is rotated to provide clients with ever-changing options to experience contrasting taste essences from fruit, wood, and even smoky cigars. From mild to acidic, light to medium roast, sweet to milky, drinks to satisfy every taste and preference are on hand at The Café at Reynolds. An assortment of black, green, white and chai teas are also available for those non-coffee drinkers.
For the coffeehouse connoisseur, The Café at Reynolds is committed to keeping pace with the latest trends and techniques in the coffee-brewing industry. Smooth tasting cold-brewed coffee, freshly ground pour-overs, and “Nitro-Brews” — nitrogen-infused cold-brews with a creamy, Guinness-like texture, are just a few of the latest brewing techniques available at The Café. Matcha and Kombucha, powdered teas with half the caffeine of traditional teas, add to the offering of tea-based drinks. Trained baristas are on-hand to explain and create the caffeine-based cocktail of your preference. For those with a sweet tooth, locally baked dessert snacks ranging from fruit infused coffee cakes, muffins, and scones to Italian biscotti provide an extra pick-me-up.
Customers can enjoy their beverages while strolling leisurely through the shops or relax in the shade at The Cafe’s inviting outdoor seating area. Nestled into the courtyard next to the pole barn, with comfortable chairs and café tables, it is the ideal spot to recharge after an exhausting day of shopping.
The latest in a series of improvements, The Café at Reynolds evolved from an on-going commitment to customer service. It is the cornerstone that continues to define the mission of Reynolds Landscaping and Garden Shop for over forty years. The Reynolds family and staff hope The Café will enhance the overall shopping experience at The Reynolds Garden Shop. They cordially invite you to stop in for a refreshing libation and scrumptious snack.
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The Café at Reynolds is located in the pole barn section of Reynolds Garden Shop — 201 East Bay Avenue, Manahawkin, NJ. Opening times coincide with the Reynolds Garden Center — 9 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday and 9 am to 5 pm on Sunday. For more information about The Café or the inventory of merchandise and plant material available at Reynolds Garden Center and Shops, please call 609-597-6099 or visit reynoldslandscape.com
