Three Ships Coffee is located at 607 19th Street, near the ocean front in Virginia Beach. Their space houses their roasting operation but also a coffee bar. The coffee bar is not like a typical coffee shop, though there is seating and a good atmosphere for hanging out. It is set up like a tasting bar with a goal of encouraging customers to taste the nuances of different drinks. There are even coffee brews on tap! Each week, a very specific choice of coffees and baked goods are offered. The coffee is also roasted in the back of the shop where customers can see how it is done. Their coffee is carefully watched while being roasted to make sure it gets to an exact temperature.
While coffee is not a locally grown product, local is valued in this coffee bar. I talked to Brad Ewig, who owns the business with his wife Amy. He spoke passionately about supporting local agriculture and businesses. For example, they have been experimenting with homemade pop-tarts made from local strawberries. Also on the menu this week was the drink Straww-Barry Land Lubber coffee drink made with Strawberries picked from Cullipher Farms. Three Ships Coffee also hosts Sunday Brunch events featuring locally sourced products made by many of the wonderful local chefs we have in the region. Check out their Facebook page to find out about Sunday Brunch.
What do Brad and Amy think about local?
"Amy and I have always been believers in eating fresh foods and during our 6 years in California organic fresh produce was in abundance year round. We loved the idea that we could buy from the farmer and create a relationship with them during weekly farmers markets. When we moved back to Virginia we were challenged to change our diets to utilize the food that was available seasonally. We have come to realize that seasonal foods are one the great joys of living in Virginia and we anticipate the changes of seasons and their natural bounty."
In addition to the store, Three Ships Coffee takes it's coffee bar to many farmers markets in the area. They have also recently begun to sell local produce and other projects. To learn more about Three Ships Coffee and where to find them visit their webpage at Threeshipscoffee.com