Hi everyone. Let’s hit the mail bag real quick so I can answer questions I have been getting in person and through social media. Once again, huge thanks to our staff and customers for all the love and support during this time of transition. It means everything. 

Q: You have been going into Colin’s Coffee practically every day for 17 years. Is it weird not to be there?

A: Yes. Very. It occurred to me that until August 26th 2023, I hadn’t spent ONE single Saturday morning in my home since September 30, 2006.  If I was traveling I was gone, but if I was at home, I was always at the shop. It was a strange feeling laying in bed staring at an alarm clock that wasn’t going to beep. I had no place to go. Mind blown. And I was wondering what all our customers were doing. Our little tribe had lost our teepee.

Q: Are you retiring? Are you taking a vacation?

No and No. I gave up the idea of retiring when I grabbed my guitar and hopped into a van when I was 21 years old. I prefer to take my retirement in “installments” as they say. As for a vacation, I won’t lie, it does sound appealing but with so much uncertainty swirling around it doesn’t make sense at this time. Even if it does make sense. Does that make sense?

Q: What are you doing with your free time?

A: I have been very fortunate my pal Brian Phillips invited me down to ride shotgun on his CD92.9 Morning Show during this transitional period. I started 48 hours after the shop closed and haven’t missed a single day yet. It has been a blast to be on the radio “full time” and it gives me a reason to still get up early, drink some coffee and run my mouth. In fact, it’s similar to working at Colin’s Coffee. Also I’ve been playing gigs both solo and sitting in with Willie Phoenix. (Pinch me, I’m dreaming.) 

Other activities to stay busy include:

- Finishing new Watershed record for 2024 release. Just had lacquer pressed at Musicol studios so production has started.

- Going to the gym everyday. Lots of music & podcasts. When you are unemployed there really are no excuses.

- Going to the UA Library and reading. 

- Thinking about going to The Library Bar and not reading. But not.

- Mindlessly scrolling social media and killing my brain cells.

- Watching shows like Winning Time, For All Mankind, The Other Two, Veep, Larry Sanders, Better Call Saul, Entourage, The Wire (again), Q Tarantino movies.

-Watching the Reds and making small, stupid bets on football games.

- Doing yard work, organizing books and records. Tidied up band rehearsal space.

- Basically, just keeping to myself. The service industry takes a lot of mental & physical energy so I have been trying to recharge my batteries in advance of…. Next question … 

Q: Are you moving? / Where are you moving?

A: I never seriously entertained the thought of starting completely over in a new location. I was flattered by all the proposals that folks sent me, but paying off debt selling $3 coffee is a young man’s game. And I should know. Lucky for us our neighbors right across the street, The Daily Growler, reached out to us with an idea to share space. They don’t open until the afternoon so we will be selling coffee 7-Noon and then turn it over to them. (see below) It seems like a win/win for all involved. 

A: Will it be the same? Will your staff come with you?

Q: I will take the second question first. I am aware our staff and customers are the real stars of Colin’s Coffee so they are both top priority. However, it is a completely different space and that will require some pretty big changes to what we previously were able to do in the Golden Bear Center. But I am hopeful we can thread the needle and keep everyone happy. That is the goal anyway.

Q: How long will it take to relocate?

A: In the big scheme of things it’s a pretty simple project but getting the espresso machine and other coffee gear installed properly takes a deft hand from a professional. And new menus and designs by Charlotte Janes will take a little time as well. We don’t want to rush it. Only get one chance at a first impression.  We hope to have some kind of soft opening by October 1st and perhaps a proper “grand” opening down the road once we feel confident the vibe is groovy.  

Q: Sorry your place is getting demolished but at least you got a big cash buyout? Right?

A: No, we got bupkis but that’s ok. Colin’s Coffee had been month to month the entire time. Some folks see a lease as security, but as a former touring rock n roller, I see it as another way for the man to put your feet to the fire when times got tough. And there were some tough times. Freedom, baby. That’s why the support during the closing weekend was so important. THANK YOU. Obviously, we are appreciative of the love - first and foremost - but the t-shirt money has been essential keeping us above water during this dead zone. It’s going to be tight but we should make it into our new space without Tony & I having to busk outside the Senior Center to buy coffee sleeves. 

Anyway, I will keep everyone posted and make sure to follow colinscoffee on Instagram for updates and fun photos. See you soon! - Colin