The finely ground beans had barely settled at the former Second Cup (5425 Spring Garden Road) before we got word that the prime real estate had been scooped up by another coffee shop. Can Hicyilmaz, owner of the Cup’s neighbouring hookah bar Ottoman Cafe (5411 Spring Garden Road), had the space in the back of his mind since he’d gotten word the franchise would be moving out about a year ago, he says.
Serving up piping hot Java Blend coffee and fresh, locally-sourced lunch options like salads and sandwiches, Mid Point Cafe—inspired by the for chain cafes of Spring Garden Road—is in reno mode now, but is set to open in February. It’s set to supply local fixes from 6am to midnight
“When I go to buy anything I don’t go with franchised places, that’s is how I am,” says Hicyilmaz, who wants his customers’ money to stay in Nova Scotia. “I buy stuff from local markets and farmers. If you spend your money on Starbucks, it doesn’t come back to you.”
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This article appears in Jan 16-22, 2014.