The defining factors on whether a café will take off or not, have everything to do with how the space interacts with the consumer. Wayfinding, décor and seating all come into play but unless the space makes them feel welcome – they’d be hard pressed to sip their espresso there for long.
The recently opened 4th Street location of Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters in my neighbourhood of Mission, immediately envelopes you into a sense of coziness. This warm welcome has certainly been embraced by design and coffee fiends alike; traveling across the city just for a cup of their locally roasted beans. I’m there on the daily and I can’t get enough of it. But perhaps it is more than just the beans that lure folks to any number of their local cafes – it’s the friendly and educated culture that owners Phil Robertson and Sebastian Sztabzyb have cultivated with their staff and customers.
A few reasons that this café deserves accolades for its well-designed interiors – might I add completely custom design by McKinley Burkart, includes down-to-the-detail elements like original artwork and one-of-a-kind lighting:
Neon Sign
‘A Neon Sign for Uncle Billy…’ is displayed proudly in a bright yellow above the barista station; a nod to Phil’s uncle who encouraged the pair to follow their dream of opening a café.
Walnut Walls
Soft walnut walls accent the high ceilings in the space and create a warm backdrop to coffee dates and work meetings.
Original Artwork
Portraits of the entrepreneurial pair were painted by local artist Maya Gohill and flank the work station at the back of the café under an incredible light fixture made of pipes.
Visit P&S:
2207 4th Street SW
Calgary, AB
