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Want a cup of solar-brewed coffee?
November 14th, 2009, 6:00 am · 5 Comments · posted by Jan Norman, small-business columnist
City Perk Bakery and Cafe, an Aliso Viejo coffee shop, is preparing the business to run completely on solar power,
George Avila brews coffee
says co-owner George Avila.
It is one of the first businesses to open in the live-where-you-work project of City Walk atVantis by Shea Homes.
“I don’t drive, I just walk downstairs to work,” Avila says.
He figures a fully operational solar cafe will save $300 to $400 a month in electricity bills. The business will “bank” electricity for use on those rainy days.
He and partner Lane Avery are taking other steps to make City Perk environmentally friendly from using recycled packaging to insulated cups without sleeves to organic syrups.
And they save on gasoline.
Watch the YouTube video about their efforts:
The shop opened as the economy sank into recession, but Avila says it is doing well because it is an independent, locally owned business that is small and personal. “We have a lot of support from Aliso Viejo.”
However, the housing market downturn brought in some buyers who don’t want to open businesses beneath their homes. Only seven of the 31 units have open businesses, Avila says.
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the future is here.
You have Neighborhood Cup, several Starbuck’s and now this coffee shop in Aliso.
I don’t mind paying good money, as long as my coffee is good.
Great video! I frequently drive by City Perks on my return trip to pick up my dog from the Aliso Viejo Pet Smart Hotel (Definitely worth a profile!!), but I have never stopped there.
This has me interested because I appreciate the fact that they are serious about health and the environment. I will make a point of dropping in to make a purchase.
What are their hours?
Solar is a nice idea. How are 31 homes going to sustain 31 businesses? It doesn’t compute.
Way to promo a business Jan, if your white its alright