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It’s Kismet — in Bay Shore!
Kismet Coffee Company is planting another flag on Long Island with plans to open a second location, this one on Bay Shore’s Main Street.
The coffee shop will be located at 17 E. Main Street, the former home of Roto Grocery. Don’t worry, Roto Grocery fans; they are working on a new location in Bay Shore (stay tuned for updates).
The first location, situated in Kismet on Fire Island, was founded by Jackson Davis, of Westchester, in 2022.
How it all started
So, why did a Westchester native, who didn’t even like coffee growing up, decide to launch this company? Well, you can thank the global pandemic.
“When everyone was quarantined and picking up different hobbies to do at home, I started brewing and roasting my own coffee,” said Davis. “That’s when I realized coffee could be so much more than that burnt, unpleasant, bitter taste; it could be fruity, flavorful and delicate.”
Although Davis grew up in Westchester, Kismet felt like his second home, the place he spent most of his summers as a kid. “My mother grew up in Brightwaters, and all my cousins went to Bay Shore High School,” Davis explained, highlighting his familiarity with the area.
Like many others, Davis spent more time on Fire Island during the pandemic and noticed the absence of a great coffee shop. He introduced his idea at The Kismet Market with a small espresso machine and later moved to share the Pizza Shack of Kismet, conveniently located near the ferry.
That’s when things took off.
“There wasn’t a place to get a good cup of coffee. I thought I could bring it to my community,” he said. “Before I knew it, people were biking and walking from different parts of the island to try our coffee.”
If you go
Now, he’s ready to share his creations with Bay Shore, which he also now calls home.
A grand opening party is scheduled for Nov. 10, and here’s what you need to know about the space:
It’s connected to Fire Island Vines, a winery and tasting room that’s open in the evenings. The two companies will share seating, so you can enjoy a coffee and work there. Yes, Wi-Fi will be available.
Davis mentioned that they will offer a small drink and food menu to maintain consistency and excellence. Some of the drinks include espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos. There’s also a Rocket Fuel Latte, a non-alcoholic cold brew version inspired by the iconic Fire Island summer beverage.
They plan to have a rotating menu of single-origin coffee from different countries, roasted by various roasters. Davis also mentioned a “small but creative food menu,” featuring items like breakfast sandwiches, avocado toast, and pastries.
He’s eager to get started.
“This Bay Shore location makes so much sense. It’s right near the ferry, and the space is already built out. Bay Shore is an exciting place to be with many great restaurants opening up.”
Details
Location: 17 E. Main Street | website
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Top: Kismet Coffee Company owner Jackson Davis outside of his location in Kismet. (Credit: Instagram)
