Slow Bloom Coffee, a well-regarded Redlands institution, is set to open its second location at the intersection of Tenth and Market. For many Slow Bloom employees, it’s a return to the neighborhood. Slow Bloom emerged from the sudden closure of Augie’s Coffee after a labor dispute during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Riverside location will share space with Hayet Aalbi, a “Levantine” Bakery specializing in Middle Eastern and Continentally inspired pastries. Hayet Albi is also an employee-owned cooperative, creating a combined space that offers high-quality and unique products and operates on the principle that employees invested deeply in the company will be interested in running the business efficiently.
There is no specific opening date, but as the build-out progresses, Slow Bloom is hosting Saturday pop-up events from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Pain Sugar Art Gallery until it can open at its permanent location. Slow Bloom’s current popularity in Redlands, familiarity with the neighborhood, and excellent location near City Hall and the Courthouse indicate that it should be successful for a long time.
