The community is invited to take part in the “Greatest Hits” of Krazy Kup.
The unique coffee house in the center of downtown, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., is reopening its doors on Aug. 18 and owner Frank Trunzo said it’s better than ever.
The pandemic altered operations at the business for months, but rather than close up shop the coffee house shifted to a unique “new reality.” Ripping the bars off the window in the courtyard, a walk-up counter was brought to life. A new paint job, shade sails, new awnings, new decor and spruced-up greenery gave the building a new energy. Its customers quickly adapted and adjusted their routines to accompany quick trips to the colorful window.
“I think it was a welcoming sense of normalcy,” Wenda Trunzo said. “Right off the bat when this all hit, people were trying to figure out what they were going to do. They didn’t know what was open, what their jobs looked like, what the future would hold. But at least they could come and get their cup of coffee. I’ve had so many people thank me through the window and I realized that while this was kind of our way of keeping Krazy Kup’s nose above the waterline, it was also a way for people to keep their nose above water, too. It was a routine they could grasp on to and it was amazing getting to just see the impact it had on people.”
Krazy Kup has a devoted following and those regular patrons easily shifted to the new walk-up system. However, an unexpected benefit came from adding the new method of ordering. With so many people searching in-depth for safe and locally-owned businesses, a new wave of customers arrived. And as the state’s reopening plan shifted and led to more members of the community to adjust to a new normal, that following remained.
The Trunzos have worked hard to make Krazy Kup more than just a quick coffee run. It became a unique venue, a building full of as many experiences as palate-pleasing cups of joe. That came to a full halt once the pandemic started, but Frank Trunzo said it is time to breathe again — with new rules and guidelines.
When the doors open on Aug. 18 for the first time in months, the first major change will be that the courtyard window will remain open and in business. Those who want to stroll up, grab a quick cup and a muffin and run are free to do so. Those who want to come with their dog and sit down to enjoy their latte in the shade are able to do so without ever having to come inside. The courtyard wall already features a Main Street artist’s canvas and the business plans to add children’s art to the lineup to fill the wall with bursts of color.
Those who do walk through the doors will notice there are more easter eggs than ever waiting within. The Trunzos have traveled the world and the decor of their coffee house reflects their diverse experiences. You’d always find people snapping photos of themselves with the Salacious Crumb hanging from the ceiling or posing in front of their favorite classic Disney ride poster.
While the inside was closed to the public, further improvements were added including a refurbished coffee bag floor, a new bathroom floor, renovated tables, a redesigned stage and various decor additions. While glancing around, Frank Trunzo laughed and admitted even he couldn’t remember all that he’s added over the past few months.
They’ve also added more staff, including a gourmet pastry chef who will help expand their menu in the future to include more unique and mouth-watering options. The Krazy Kup Ice Truck will also be around town more frequently and offer its refreshing treats nearly every day.
The legendary events that have launched careers and drawn cult followings throughout the community are coming back as well, though there will be attendance restrictions and everyone will be required to follow CDC guidelines. Frank Trunzo said the coffee house is booked into 2021 and added that “the classics have returned.”
To help with attendance concerns, the events have predominately been moved to Friday and Saturday and the hours of operation have shifted as well. The evening acts will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. with some wiggle room after in case the audience decides it wishes to continue the celebration a little longer.
Comedy nights, Christian talent, Bluegrass Jams, Trivia Nights, Open Mic Night, Retro Movie Night, live bands and more will return on a routine schedule which can be found at the Krazy Kup Facebook events page.
Special events, like a costume contest and horror movie marathon on Oct. 31 and Lip Sync Battles, will pop up sporadically as well.
One new offering that is sure to quickly become a staple in the community is the new artist open venue in the courtyard. Krazy Kup will arrange for an artist to host an art show once a month in the courtyard on a Saturday where they can showcase their art and create their work right in front of attendees.
In order to ensure everyone is safe, those who enter the building will have their temperature checked and are asked to social distance and comply with CDC guidelines. Frank Trunzo said they are also asking the public to accommodate the new pandemic policies. Don’t camp out all day with your laptop — come enjoy a cup with your friends and then leave when you’re finished, as the facility won’t be able to accommodate a full crowd. As attendance grows, the loft will open to accommodate more customers who wish to sit down inside.
“Basically it just felt like it was time,” Frank Trunzo said. “You can only hold your breath for so long. I just felt like it is time to breathe and I expect people to respect each other and treat each other responsibly. If you’re not feeling well, stay home. Don’t come and stay all day, let others have a chance to come in and sit for a bit, too. I just think Wenda and I felt like people had to have their cup of joy and that was why we turned to the window at the start of this. Now I think it’s time for all of us to collectively take a breath. It’s time to start fresh.”