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Something for everyone: New coffeeshop provides 'a bar atmosphere, but without the alcohol'

by: andrea hahn
the southern

Sunday, April 2, 2006 12:33 AM CST

MURPHYSBORO - The owner of the new Murphysboro coffee shop NewCilans said he wants to create a comfortable atmosphere for people to come after work, during work, before work - whenever - to kick back with a specialty latte and a sandwich.

In fact, if a customer likes the atmosphere enough - perhaps has, for example, a favorite chair - it's for sale.

"Everything in here is for sale," Robby Newman, owner, said.

Just so folks aren't sitting on the floor, he plans to bring in some antiques and cool, chic furniture so there will always be plenty of tables and chairs. But still, he's all about customer service, he said - even if it means moving out and loading up a table or wall decor.

But mainly, he's interested in providing a quality cup of coffee.

"We're using Italian coffees, which are really good, gourmet coffees," he said. "We'll have lattes, frosts - which are similar to frappacinos and smoothies. A mocha frost is my specialty."

The new coffee shop is located behind the courthouse at 1023 Chestnut St. Newman said he will serve breakfast and sandwiches, and could accommodate a large group - like, for instance, a jury. Most of the menu is about $4 an item.

The Chestnut Street site has seen coffee shops come and go. Newman, 25, is aware of that. He's had two coffee shops, in Herrin, a few years ago, that didn't make it. It's a side of business he is prepared to face.

"I've been a Christian for three years," he said. "That has drastically changed my life. I feel I have a better head on my shoulders than I did a few years ago. I have a different perspective."

Part of that perspective is his spin on why coffee shops have become so popular in recent years. Newman said the clientele he anticipates during the day will be professional, artsy and predominantly female. The atmosphere he wants to create to go with that crowd is one that is relaxing and conducive to conversation - a place one might go to meet friends or make new ones.

Live entertainment is part of Newman's plans. He said he's looking at jazz for Fridays, and open mic night on Thursdays. He referred to it as "a bar atmosphere, but without the alcohol."

Newman said he is also fixing the upstairs of the building. He hopes to turn that section into a meeting room, private party location or smoking lounge - maybe all of those, depending on the night.

Another focus for Newman is young people. He hopes his coffee shop will give young adults a place to come and hang out safely.

Newman said his decision to open the shop was made fairly quickly, but at the same time it isn't a completely new idea for him.

"I was just driving by one day, and saw they were renovating the site," he said. "I was planning on opening a coffee shop in the future, but maybe not quite so soon."

Newman said the Murphysboro coffee shop is a solo project, but he has another coffee shop opened in partnership with another owner in Carbondale. The shop has the same name and a similar theme. However, that shop is not-for-profit with proceeds benefiting Christian causes.

NewCilans is open from 7 a.m. to midnight weekdays. Weekend hours are not yet set, but will be soon, Newman said.

 andrea.hahn@thesouthern.com

(618) 529-5454 ext. 5076a