"Often observed with a lengthy line wrapping around the block, modern cafe Aviano Coffee got a lot of buzz and a major vote of confidence this week with the announcement that a group of Denver investors acquired an undisclosed minority interest in the company and plans to dramatically expand the brand. A second Aviano location is already underway at 215 St. Paul Street, expected to open October 1. Next, Aviano could open as many as 50 to 60 locations throughout Denver, Boulder, Aspen, and out of state. Launched in 2006 on the ground floor of the Beauvallon Condos by Douglas and Saadia Naiman, the third-wave independent coffee shop relocated to Cherry Creek North in 2010. Standing behind a center-stage bar with surrounding stadium seating, fashion-forward baristas use manual brew methods and brands such as Intelligentsia Coffee, Kilogram Tea, and Ashkinosie Chocolate. Saadia Naiman says there are no current plans to enlarge the menu beyond the variety of daily breads and baked goods. The Naimans say they’ve known Matt Joblon of BMC Investments since 2010, and that the partnership has been in the works for more than a year and a half. The team is in the process of evaluating future locations, beginning with downtown Denver, aiming to re-create the service and environment of the 244 Detroit Street location and offer a higher quality alternative to pervasive big-box chains." - Gigi Sukin
