A new coffee shop is getting ready to open where Parkway Grille used to be. The name of the coffee shop, Kismet Coffee, is a perfect match for its origin story. Created by Ashley Herrera and Jasmine Serrano, this charming cafe, with its cozy, cottagecore aesthetic, is promising a latte.
A year ago, Ashley embarked on her exploration of the coffee world, motivated by an inherent passion for the beverage. It all started with a playful thought: wouldn’t it be amazing to own a coffee shop? While Ashley is from Fernandina, Jasmine originates from Salinas, California, famously known as the “salad bowl of the world.”
By some twist of fate, Ashley's and Jasmine’s lives crossed paths, their mutual passion for coffee sparking a connection that would later become Kismet Coffee. Jasmine explains the name originated from the situation that presented itself to both of them, highlighting the serendipitous aspect of their venture.
The name “Kismet” carries deep meaning, symbolizing the perfect alignment of events that led to the realization of their dream. While reading, Jasmine came across the word “kismet.” Its meaning deeply resonated with her and became a symbol of their journey.
Kismet Coffee blends its essence with a dedication to honor local artists. Kismet Coffee has established a partnership with Nuanz Coffee Roasters, as both share a deep passion for coffee, and they source their coffee beans from them.
Kismet Coffee truly shines in their devotion to handcrafting homemade syrups, with Jasmine infusing each one with a special blend of carefully chosen ingredients. The spiced orange syrup, with its citrus and warm spice combination, and the indulgent toasted pecan syrup, guarantee to excite even the most refined palates.
Kismet Coffee’s menu accommodates various dietary preferences and restrictions and their dedication to offering dairy-free choices goes beyond just drinks.
Ashley and Jasmine have ambitions that go way beyond just making money. Ashley shares her goal of making it a community staple, echoing Jasmine’s feelings.
Kismet Coffee has decorated their walls with local artists’ works, showing their dedication to supporting local talent. Rachel Kelly’s vibrant artwork adorns the green walls, complemented by the artistic contribution of Andrea, a friend and fellow barista.
The physical space of Kismet Coffee is a blend of history and charming repurposing. The owners creatively repurposed the walk-in doors, which were once part of the building’s history as a convenience store. Instead of replacing these relics, Ashley and Jasmine chose a creative solution: they hired an artist to paint coffee branches on the doors, turning them into a captivating centerpiece.
Kismet Coffee seamlessly merges the past and present, celebrating the community’s narrative, which infuses it with a one-of-a-kind charm. With the highly expected opening date of July 30 just around the corner, Ashley and Jasmine’s excitement was clear.
Still, they have ambitions that go well beyond the initial launch. The vision for Kismet Coffee is to create a treasured destination, where people can enjoy exceptional coffee, delicious treats, and a welcoming atmosphere that embraces everyone, whether they are locals or tourists.
Website: www.kismetcoffeefl.com
Address: 5517 S. Fletcher Ave., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034