After over a year of planning, designing, permitting, and construction, Thomas Maloney and Sonya Sarkar are finally taking the wraps off of their new 1,700 square foot coffee bar in downtown St. Pete this weekend. Paradeco Coffee Roasters opens tomorrow at 111 2nd Avenue Northeast in the Plaza Tower & Courtyard Shops.

From the moment you step through the door, you’re greeted with tropical vibes. Sitting center stage is a custom La Marzocco KB90 espresso machine atop a turquoise-backed marble bar. A plant wall featuring 195 live plants is situated over a 70’s-style pink couch in the back of the shop. The various curves and archways exude an Art Deco design that inspired the name of the business – Paradeco.

Paradeco is where paradise meets art deco. “We wanted something bright, happy, and fun,” said Maloney. “The goal is for people to walk in and think ‘Wow, this place is paradise!’”

Maloney and Sarkar also want to serve you one of the best cups of coffee you’ve ever had. And to do so, they’ve put tons of time into sourcing high-quality coffee beans while also leaning into the latest in coffee tech. 

Paradeco will be implementing robotic pour over machines from Brooklyn-based Poursteady, a high-tech coffee grinder from Japan, and a Ground Control Coffee Brewer for the most consistent drip coffee possible. All of this technology is to ensure your coffee will have the same great taste it had the last time you were in.

To source their coffee beans, they’ve enlisted the help of Joel Eastlick of Tampa-based Yellow Rooster Coffee Imports. Eastlick travels around the globe to establish close, long-term friendships and working relationships with specialty coffee growers. He then selects the best coffees, focusing on freshness and traceability, to share with roasters like Paradeco. Eastlick also introduced Maloney and Sarkar to Chris Vinai, a 10-year veteran in the coffee industry, who has signed on to help run Paradeco.

With burlap sacks of green coffee beans in hand, Paradeco is ready to begin the roasting process using their high-tech Bellwether Roaster, which is on display to the right of the coffee bar. Powered by electricity and producing zero emissions, the Bellwether Roaster is the most consistent, controllable, and sustainable roaster in the world. 

Paradeco will offer a rotating selection of four to five single-origin coffees from countries like Peru, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, and Colombia. A Paradise Blend will also be available.

The menu will consist of brewed coffee, pour over, cold brew, nitro cold brew, and all of your typical espresso-based beverages, such as Americano, Cappuccino, Latte, Cortado, Macchiato, and more.

For an extra boost, mix in a wellness add-on, such as Ghee, MCT Oil, Collagen, Maca Powder, Ashwagandha, Reishi, Cordyceps, Tocos, or Cacao.

If you’re not feeling a cup of coffee, Paradeco will also serve tea, chai, matcha, a golden latte, and smoothies.

And although food will be available, the menu will be limited at first. Along with locally made baked goods, Paradeco will offer a variety of overnight oats, chia puddings, toasts, and breakfast sandwiches. Vegan and gluten-free items will also be available.

“Tom and I are both interested in health and longevity,” said Sarkar. “We want to provide downtown St. Pete with healthy food options to grab and go.”

Maloney and Sarkar are first-time small business owners, but considering how well Paradeco Coffee turned out, you would never be able to tell. “We’ve had a ton of help from other local St. Pete businesses,” said Maloney. “We could never pull this off by ourselves! Opening this shop has definitely been a community effort.”

Hype Group created all of the cafe’s branding while Place Architecture and Boyd Construction were in charge of the build out. Even some of the neighboring businesses, such as Max Glazer at The Shave Cave, Laura McCutcheon at HaleLife Bakery, and Brett Andress from Ale and the Witch, have popped in to offer a helping hand.

 “We haven’t even opened our doors yet but have already received so much love from the community,” said Sarkar. “We cannot wait for everyone to meet Paradeco.”

Paradeco Coffee Roasters opens tomorrow at 111 2nd Avenue Northeast in downtown St. Pete. Initially, hours will be from 8 am to 2 pm, but will expand later. Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.