The Online Reflector

For those University of Indianapolis students who live and breathe coffee, a local treasure has been taken away.

The Bean Cup Coffee Shop, located across from the Greenwood Park Mall on Saint Peter Street was owned and run by Chris and her husband, Jason Carr. It opened on Nov. 20, 2006. However, due to conflicts with the landlord, the shop decided to stop business and had its last day on Oct. 31.

“I was born and raised in Northern California where coffeehouses were part of the culture; I just never knew that it would become my life-long dream,” owner Chris Carr said.

But it did indeed become her dream.  She opened the shop with her husband Jason and they employed five other baristas, two of them UIndy sophomores Cristina Vidal and Olivia Russell. This particular coffee shop was full of local art for purchase on the walls, regular customers, literature and warm greetings for customers.

“My philosophy is to welcome every walk of life. My idea is that if everyone can get along in the four walls of our café and be united through great coffee, food, entertainment and so on then it’s a positive influence in their lives and the community,” Chris said. “We try to lead by example of always giving back and genuinely caring about people.”

The Bean Cup had a lot of elements that made it a well-liked coffee shop by its patrons. There was live music on Friday and Saturday nights in which a lot of local musicians performed. Also, artists in the community could showcase their art on the walls and put it up for purchase.

Russell described The Bean Cup as a second home for their customers.

“They would help themselves to coffee and we would text them on Saturday if they hadn’t made it in yet,” Russell said.

Vidal emphasized how the relaxing environment was great for reading or doing homework.

However, despite all the little things that made for a special mom and pop coffee shop problems with their landlord were apparent and continued to escalate.

In August, The Bean Cup’s lease was ending. Although they wanted to renew, they did not want to stay for another three years. All the businesses that opened in the plaza with The Bean Cup went out of business, making The Bean Cup one of four to make it. They were not granted a year-by-year lease and decided it would be best to close the shop for the time being.

Chris said she tries to keep an open and positive attitude and would love to reopen The Bean Cup in the future.

Vidal and Russell both described working at The Bean Cup as a very good experience.

“I am still very sad about what happened. I really miss seeing my co-workers and the customers every day. I wish we could have stayed, but I understand Chris and Jason’s reasoning,” Vidal said. “Because it is so close to finals, I am not going to try and find a job just until school lets out. I would love to wait until The Bean Cup reopens, but I don’t know when that will be.”

By Stephanie Snay | Distribution Manager