The paper has come down from the long windows facing Kavanaugh Boulevard to reveal The Meteor Cafe, the coffee shop joined to Spokes bicycle shop at the corner of Kavanaugh and Markham, and the cafe has announced a June 7 opening.
The large, light-filled cafe features a long row of two-tops along the front window; a patio in the back is under construction.The Meteor will serve pastries, including cookies, muffins, scones and a gluten-free, low-sugar house-made energy bar of oats, fruit and chocolate, manager Maria Ims said. Chief baker is Kate Gabardi; Ims noted her two favorite items among Gabardi’s offerings: the salted pecan chocolate chip cookies and the brown butter ginger scones. The energy bar should appeal to the biking customers at Spokes, which will now be known as Spokes at the Meteor.
Doug Zell, founder of Chicago’s Intelligentsia coffee, is co-owner of the cafe, which, not surprisingly, will use Intelligentsia beans in its pour-overs and espresso drinks. The Meteor will also feature 11 teas. The Meteor plans to serve lunch in the future, Ims said.
Chris St. Peter, a Little Rock lawyer, is Zell’s partner in the business; their company, F3 Velo LLC, has also bought Spokes. Also down the road: F3 Velo LLC plans to open a second location on Rebsamen Park Road.