Two Reno coffee bars known for eclectic attitude hit it off so well that owners Matt Polley of downtown's Java Jungle and Sean O'Hare of Record Street Cafe near the University of Nevada, Reno, campus combined their operations.
The venues share an eclectic feel, says Polley, although Java Jungle does the bigger business and will operate both venues, with O'Hare as a shareholder in Java Jungle LLC.
The merger will make it possible to cross-market the venues, says Polley, who plans to bring wine and beer from Java Jungle's adjoining wine bar to Record Street, and use that locale's menu to boost food offerings downtown.
And while he courted Record Street Cafe because its clientele and ambience was complementary, Polley says it's a good time to be in the independent coffee house business.
"Starbucks is the largest contender, but has oversaturated the market. The coffeehouse culture has shifted a bit; people are looking for an independent feel. Starbucks has become the McDonald's of coffee," he says.
