Congratulations Caffè di Lucca!
Colorado Serenity's 2006 Business of the Year!
Paula Barnes and Dad Ron
As printed in Colorado Serenity / January 2007
, written by Corey Colombin
Congratulations Caffè di Lucca! Colorado Serenity's 2006 Business of
the Year! February marks the seventh year in business for this successful
espresso bar in the Lakepoint Center in Evergreen. Caffè di Lucca owner, Paula
Barnes, says, "It doesn't get much better than this . great staff, customers
that have become genuine friends, and a community that is wonderfully
supportive." Best known for their warm, friendly atmosphere, personal service,
and "we really care about you" attitude, Caffè di Lucca features Vail Mountain
coffees and espresso, fragrant specialty teas, frozen fruit smoothies, and
blended coffee drinks. They also offer delectable pastry choices, gourmet
paninis for lunch, and a variety of afternoon indulgences. Life is good at
Caffè di Lucca!
Photo by Doug Kinzy
As printed in Colorado Serenity / September 2006,
written by Corey Colombin
Five years ago, Caffè di Lucca was featured as Serenity's first "Business of
the Month," as a newly established coffee and espresso bar in the Lakepoint
Center, across from Evergreen Lake. Between then and now, this enterprise has
enjoyed a growing popularity, loyal following, and a great reputation as a
favorite meeting place. Despite the statistics about the failure rate of the
restaurant industry, caffè di Lucca is going strong and shows no signs of
slowing down, which is why we'd like to revisit and celebrate this local
fixture of our small town.
At the helm: Paula Barnes-a dynamic woman with a head for business and a heart
of gold. Prior to opening caffè di Lucca, Paula had spent twenty-five years in
high-tech marketing and sales, fully immersed in the fast-paced life of
commuting and business traveling. Paula has always been close to her parents,
Marcella and Ron Barnes, and it was at the suggestion of her dad that caffè di
Lucca came to be. Ron broached Paula one day with these compelling ideas: There
was a great location available; they both had knowledge about authentic
espresso, having traveled to Lucca, Italy, several times, and could even
decorate the interior in the Italian flair of that region; and (the biggest
motivator of all) Ron noticed a void-there was nowhere to gather with old
friends and meet new friends in town. Paula took a huge leap of faith, and with
her parent's moral support, caffè di Lucca opened in February 2000.
I admit that I love a good cup of coffee and have been known to go to great
lengths to get a double-shot mocha with whip, but the caffeine-laced beverages
are not the only addictive aspect of caffè di Lucca. The place positively
exudes warmth and camaraderie, which is why stopping by is such an addictive
part of the day for so many of us. Business deals are made at the small
cafe-style tables; novelists park for hours to soak up the great atmosphere,
inspiring bursts of creative spark; hugs and handshakes are everywhere, while
people from all walks of life share a moment of their day. You can't go into
caffè di Lucca and not come out with a big, silly smile on your face. Clearly,
I am not alone in my sentiment. Proof is in the fact that on a Sunday morning
at ten o' clock, the place is jam-packed with happily chatting, hugging, and
smiling customers waiting their turn to get some of the best espresso in town,
which is how it earned its nickname "Cheers of Evergreen."
What's the secret? Granted, with Vail Mountain coffees and espresso, flavorful
teas, frozen smoothies, a daily variety of pastries, and a savory selection of
lunchtime paninis to choose from, the menu speaks for itself. But the true
secret to the success of caffè di Lucca is the people.
Ron Barnes, nicknamed "The Social Director," can be seen every morning sitting
at his table, surrounded by new and old friends, just as he pictured way back
when, and he never misses an opportunity to make all who enter feel welcome.
"It's a thrill every day," Ron smiles, " all the nice people I get to meet."
Ron holds a special soft spot for the little kids that come in to hug him.
Marcella, at his side, concedes that caffè di Lucca certainly keeps him busy.
Paula puts her mark on caffè di Lucca by simply being herself. She can't help
but spill her loving ways and generous spirit all over everyone she meets. I
have seen her thaw the frostiest mood, become an instant shoulder to cry on,
graciously accept a crayon masterpiece from a child, and flash that incredible
smile of hers in mock flirtation-all on the same day! Paula is in her element.
You don't learn that in high-tech sales! "I am very blessed, lucky, and truly
grateful to have this wonderful life,"
Paula says, "but it isn't a one-woman show." Paula surrounds herself with
trustworthy staff she can count on to treat the customers well. Of course, the
faces change through the years-I even took my turn at an honored spot as
barista-but the commitment to providing quality service remains a constant. In
addition, Ron lends invaluable help behind the scenes with shopping, banking,
and early morning openings, which eases Paula's burden immensely!
"What of caffè di Lucca's future?" I ask of Paula. "What would you change, if
you could?" She ponders my question, and simply says: "Nothing. It's everything
I want it to be. And if it isn't broke-why fix it?"
Caffè di Lucca is located in the Lakepoint Center, 29009 Upper Bear Creek Road
in Evergreen, across from Evergreen Lake. (303-670-8623) For more information
and to view the menu: www.CaffediLucca.com.
