In today’s busy and fast-paced world, it’s unusual to find a business (especially in food service) that has a primary goal of getting their customers to take their time and stay a while. That’s exactly what Kaitey and Kevin Cosgrove had in mind when they re-imagined a Bridge Street storefront in Carleton Place and created the Foundry Coffee Bar.
The couple moved to Carleton Place from Orleans in 2016 and found the more time they spent sharing pints with new friends at the local craft brewery, or chasing kids around the beach at Riverside Park, the more they knew that this was where they would set down their roots.
They both share a passion for good coffee and chocolate chip cookies but wanted to throw another item on the menu of Foundry by adding connections at no extra charge. By carefully designing the shop with particular attention paid to seating and tables they’ve crafted a special space that encourages patrons to relax, enjoy their wide array of coffees and teas, along with all-day breakfasts, sandwiches, and pastries and make new acquaintances. My wife and I dropped in on a recent Sunday morning. I tried a Mighty Valley Coffee drip (they also have rotational drip, espressos, and cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, and more). We chose an avo-toast and chicken-bacon wrap for our midday nosh. Service was quick and friendly and the dishes were great! My avo-toast was a light focaccia slice generously heaped with avocado and topped with cherry tomatoes, pickled onions and drizzled with a balsamic reduction. Their recipes were developed by Melanie Boudens of The Vegan Chef at Home and Grow Your Roots Foods, making many of the items vegan-friendly. They’ve also connected with Practically Perfect Bakery to offer a selection of gluten-free baked goods.
Photo courtesy of Randi Saunders. 
Photo courtesy of Randi Saunders. 
Photo courtesy of Randi Saunders. 
Photo courtesy of Randi Saunders.
The Cosgroves are proud of the fact they’ve discovered all the connections needed to bring the Foundry to life right in town. From finding Mighty Valley Coffee through the local farmer’s market, to hiring an expert baker, it’s a home-made success story. They’ve also taken the connection theme to the second level of the building where their office is located, by creating additional offices and a meeting room for those entrepreneurs starting out or in need of a professional space.
They also realized that spontaneous connections can happen at any time, hence their extended hours. The Foundry Coffee Bar is open Monday to Friday from 7 am to 8 pm and from 8 am to 6 pm on weekends. It promises to be the spark needed to put some night-life back on Bridge Street. They’re located at 122 Bridge with ample on-street parking but well within a comfortable stroll or cycle from a good part of the community. And a liquor license is coming! You can reach them at 613-703-8964 and check out their offerings online at foundrycollective.ca
If you’re lacking connections for some great coffee, bites, and a new sense of community, the Foundry Coffee Bar is open.
Column by Brian Turner
