Linden -- which is getting new streets -- has also gotten a new coffee shop. Becca Brews, one block off the courthouse square on West Houston St., is now in its third week of being open.
Lindenites can be proud. This full-time coffee shop is a first in recent memory. It's like a local Starbucks. But at the moment, if Starbucks is the largest coffeehouse company in the world (30,626 openings in 79 countries), Linden's is the smallest. One room, one table, no drive through but plenty of personality on the inside from the owners to the customers.
"It's social place, that's what it is," describes Linden City Manager Lee Elliott. "County Judge Travis Ransom and I were among its first customers on opening day. We found it a great place to talk and go over some important local questions."
For Becca and Bill Thomas, going into business was one of the easiest decisions they'd made.
"We thought of the idea in January," Bill tells. "We were looking, even though Becca's involved with several other small ventures."
"The idea came out, 'There's no coffee shop here. Why not?'" Becca said.
"By this month of March we were in business," Bill said. "A great place--not too expensive."
"And the town of Linden, its leaders, were so enthusiastic and helped us a lot. So now we are seeing what the public wants," Becca said.
"I know this. We think our coffee's great. I drink it every morning. Here try some," Bill concluded.
And with that, Becca had her brew made, offering it to the customer and awaiting a reaction. If it's not exactly right, Becca will make it again.
Becca Brews is open five days a week, Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Fridays it's open to 1 p.m. She uses beans that are freshly roasted each week as obtained from a Longview roasting business. Becca does the grinding, which is an art, too.
On the menu as well as exotic coffees one expects, Becca also offers a soup of the day, baked potato or salad. At least three kinds of pastries are on the counter and tempting. Other drinks such as lemon, strawberry and peach tea are offered. Then, there's an icy strawberry crush also available.
"The menu is likely to change," Becca said, noting the customer's input is important.
But, when all is said and done, it will be coffee either brewed or as a latte or espresso steamed with milk and chocolate added. These many flavors and combinations will interest the fan. What is hoped is that this will be a daily interest from the customer.
Now about those two days off Saturday and Sunday?
Maybe Becca and Bill will find a reserve crew of coffee makers who will be needed on the weekends to satisfy the coffee craving now on for several centuries of drinkers.
This reporter, the county judge and the city manager might be three of them. Some city business is sure to be needed for discussion. And a cup will help.
One of the newest businesses in Linden is this coffeehouse, Becca Brews. Becca's husband Bill Thomas is leaving the coffeehouse on an errand. (Photo by Neil Abeles)
The interior of Becca Brews coffeehouse in Linden is pleasantly refreshing. (Photo by Neil Abeles)