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We like to think we’re equal opportunity coffee shop visitors. Some days it’s an iced latte from Black Tap. Other days we swing by Kudu. A to-go cappuccino inevitably ends up on our check if we’re grabbing a salad from Caviar & Bananas, and we have yet to exit WildFlour Pastry without some caffeine in hand. Which is why, given our absurd level of coffee consumption, we’re pretty psyched about the opening of The Daily (652 King St.).

Butcher & Bee‘s sister property held a soft opening Friday night, and it was just what you’d expect — charming, well appointed, and efficient. Using an Apple Store model, the shop doesn’t have a check-out counter. Rather, servers come up to guests, iPad in hand, and ring them up. The idea is to allow patrons to get in and get out swiftly.

We tested the service Saturday, and it worked quite smoothly. We were in and out in roughly 10 minutes (we ran into a friend, so subtract an extra two minutes for chit chat).
It’s worth noting that The Daily isn’t just a coffee shop. Owner Michael Shemtov says that now that the shop is running at full speed, guests can expect to drop by for a sandwich to go, fresh juice, and plenty of wine stocked by Grassroots Wine Wholesalers. Also, there are daily growlers available to purchase beer, in addition to a small cooler filled with easy-to-grab bites. 

As for parking, don’t let the small B&B lot fool you. Just up the street, below the overpass, there’s a dirt parking lot. While we can’t confirm the legality of parking there, I’ve done it twice so far without incident. So, park, sip, and snack at your own risk.

The Daily is open today from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.


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