2008 Woodie Awards
Kona, a favorite spot among students, gets an image makeover
Nicole Nolting
Issue date: 4/15/04 Section: Features
- Page 1 of 1
With Kona Coffeehouse on Marist Drive already established as the place to go for a good cup of coffee, owners Katie and Eric Panico are trying to refocus their image by adding breakfast and lunch items to the menu.
"By keeping the Kona product and adding the bagels, we hope to keep the old customers and gain new customers," Eric Panico said.
Katie, 29, and Eric, 30 started out in the computer industry before they bought Kona Coffeehouse from the original owners about a year ago.
"It was stressful at first," said Katie Panico.
But for a young couple that started out with no previous food industry experience, they have come a long way.
Kona's improved setup is modeled after a store in Albany called Uncommon Grounds, says the couple. Like Uncommon Grounds, Kona has placed a deli counter in the front of the store, which allows more room for food preparation.
So what sets Kona apart from the neighboring delis? Kona serves more specialty items.
"I don't want this to be just another deli," said Eric Panico. "It's something special ... something different,".
Speed is also a factor.
"What I'm aiming for is a five-minute lunch," he added. "This is the place that you can get in and out of fast."
Kona's new menu choices tend to cater to a more health-conscious crowd, but are nonetheless tasty, Eric said.
Some of the newcomers include specialty sandwiches such as the "Pesto Chicken Wrap" and the "Italian Surfer," which includes grilled chicken, artichokes, roasted red peppers and balsamic vinaigrette. Along with the bagels, Kona has introduced egg sandwiches and the "Western Omelet." But if you have a sweet tooth, don't fret; Kona also offers an assortment of fresh baked pastries.
As for the coffee lovers, despite the new focus, the coffee is here to stay.
"We're having a little bit of an identity crisis," Eric Panico jokes.
The smoothies, espresso selections and specialty coffee flavors- including the popular favorites "Jamaican Me Crazy", "Jungle Bookie" and "Island Java"-will still be available.
"We're known for good coffee," said Eric Panico. "But we want to be known for good breakfast and lunch too."
Kona Coffeehouse accepts Marist Money.
"By keeping the Kona product and adding the bagels, we hope to keep the old customers and gain new customers," Eric Panico said.
Katie, 29, and Eric, 30 started out in the computer industry before they bought Kona Coffeehouse from the original owners about a year ago.
"It was stressful at first," said Katie Panico.
But for a young couple that started out with no previous food industry experience, they have come a long way.
Kona's improved setup is modeled after a store in Albany called Uncommon Grounds, says the couple. Like Uncommon Grounds, Kona has placed a deli counter in the front of the store, which allows more room for food preparation.
So what sets Kona apart from the neighboring delis? Kona serves more specialty items.
"I don't want this to be just another deli," said Eric Panico. "It's something special ... something different,".
Speed is also a factor.
"What I'm aiming for is a five-minute lunch," he added. "This is the place that you can get in and out of fast."
Kona's new menu choices tend to cater to a more health-conscious crowd, but are nonetheless tasty, Eric said.
Some of the newcomers include specialty sandwiches such as the "Pesto Chicken Wrap" and the "Italian Surfer," which includes grilled chicken, artichokes, roasted red peppers and balsamic vinaigrette. Along with the bagels, Kona has introduced egg sandwiches and the "Western Omelet." But if you have a sweet tooth, don't fret; Kona also offers an assortment of fresh baked pastries.
As for the coffee lovers, despite the new focus, the coffee is here to stay.
"We're having a little bit of an identity crisis," Eric Panico jokes.
The smoothies, espresso selections and specialty coffee flavors- including the popular favorites "Jamaican Me Crazy", "Jungle Bookie" and "Island Java"-will still be available.
"We're known for good coffee," said Eric Panico. "But we want to be known for good breakfast and lunch too."
Kona Coffeehouse accepts Marist Money.