Owners of Sun Bear Specialty Coffee Roasters Kenny beers and his wife | Sun Bear

Local coffee company Sun Bear Specialty Coffee Roasters is preparing to move into its first standalone café and production space in the Grand Central District.

For the past two years, Sun Bear has operated out of Sans Market, a zero-waste store at 1037 Central Avenue in the EDGE District.

That setup helped owner Kenny Beers build a loyal following, but space constraints have limited what he could offer.

This summer, Sun Bear will relocate to a larger, permanent storefront and roasting facility at 1942 1st Avenue South, next to Pinellas Ale Works.

The 2,650-square-foot building was previously home to Adieu-glu, a gluten-free bakery.

Sun Bear Specialty Coffee Roasters will open at 1942 1st Avenue South this summer | Google Maps

“The building is close to where we're at now, which is incredible, because we love our community and Sans Market,” owner Kenny Beers said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising. “It feels like one big family, and I hate leaving there, but we knew at some point in time, we would need our own space.”

Sun Bear plans to continue operating inside Sans Market through May 31st, with the new location expected to open in June.

The new shop will include seating for 20 to 30 guests indoors, along with an outdoor patio behind the building.

Beers plans to incorporate a mid-century modern aesthetic with personal touches, including design elements inspired by Beers’ time living in Cambodia, where he worked with at-risk children and youth.

The space will also feature a vinyl record setup and a stronger focus on music, an influence drawn from the team’s background as musicians.

Beers wants the shop to feel like a place where people can spend time and connect.

Sun Bear’s menu will continue to feature pour overs, cold brew, espresso-based drinks, and matcha lattes | Sun Bear

Sun Bear will remain rooted in third-wave coffee, focusing on high-quality, sustainably sourced beans and a more intentional brewing approach.

The menu will continue to feature pour overs, cold brew, espresso-based drinks, and matcha lattes.

“We have a very locked-in clientele,” Beers said. “They’re coming for the beans. They want to know what each one tastes like, and then they move on to the next.”

The expanded space also opens the door to new offerings.

With a full kitchen already in place, Beers plans to gradually introduce food items like sandwiches and light breakfast options, while also adding grab-and-go food and drinks.

Beers’ dream of having his own space was made possible after launching a 30-day public fundraising campaign on SMBX earlier this year.

SMBX is a public exchange primarily used for small businesses to raise capital through investors purchasing shares of Small Business Bonds. Other local businesses, such as Pete’s Bagels, have utilized the same model.

Sun BEar’s Sudan Rume is a rare coffee variety from the Boma Plateau in South Sudan, near Ethiopia | Sun Bear

“Our goal was to reach over $100,000, and while we didn’t meet our goal, but we raised quite a bit of money. It was a nationwide raise, and many locals participated, which was cool,” Beers said.

With the funds raised, Beers was able to secure the new space and purchase a new grinder and espresso machine.

Even after the move, Beers is exploring ways to continue collaborating with Sans Market and may still offer some products there.

Sun Bear will also continue operating its stand at the Saturday Morning Market, which remains one of its most consistent revenue drivers.

Be sure to visit Sun Bear on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on a grand opening date and the latest offerings.