Tampa, Florida – A new culinary and beverage destination, Two Fold Coffee & Kitchen, has officially opened its doors in Tampa, Florida, presenting a sophisticated dual concept that seamlessly transitions from a daytime all-day cafe to an evening natural wine bar. The establishment, located within The Garrison House, aims to offer a refined experience by focusing on a meticulously curated multiroaster specialty coffee program and a selection of thoughtfully chosen natural wines, both complemented by ambitious, chef-led menus of scratch-made food.
The brainchild of owners Jason and Emily Smith, who also have a background in the Tampa-based firm Watermark Design Build, and beverage director Phil Schiller, Two Fold represents a significant addition to Tampa’s burgeoning gastronomic landscape. Schiller, a seasoned professional with decades of experience in the coffee industry, leads the coffee program, drawing from an international roster of roasters. His personal affinity for coffees originating from overseas, particularly from the Nordic countries, heavily influences the selection. "It just so happens that a lot of the coffees I am interested in are based overseas, primarily in the Nordic countries," Schiller stated in an interview with Daily Coffee News. This focus underscores a commitment to sourcing complex, vibrant coffees that offer a distinct tasting experience.
The initial coffee offerings at Two Fold feature acclaimed roasters such as Tim Wendelboe of Oslo, Norway, and Brooklyn-based Loveless Coffees and Sey Coffee. Schiller’s selection criteria go beyond mere geography; he prioritizes coffees that exhibit nuanced flavors and a dynamic profile. This discerning approach to sourcing extends to the establishment’s wine program. "The fact that most of the wines we source are from small makers that focus heavily on biodynamics really just fit directly into [the] types of coffees I want to serve as well," Schiller explained. "I tend to bring in very fruit-forward, expressive wines, and that’s pretty in line with the coffees I also serve." This philosophy highlights a harmonious synergy between the coffee and wine selections, appealing to a palate that appreciates quality, expressiveness, and artisanal production.
A Commitment to Craftsmanship and Design
The physical space of Two Fold Coffee & Kitchen is as carefully considered as its beverage and food menus. Designed by the Smiths, who have a strong foundation in design and build through their Watermark affiliation, the cafe exudes a warm, inviting atmosphere with an academic sensibility. Dark wood, ambient soft lighting, and comfortable seating arrangements are key elements contributing to a sense of understated elegance and approachability. "From the beginning, we wanted to create more than a coffee shop," Emily Smith shared. "We wanted to create a place where people felt comfortable staying awhile. More than anything, we wanted the space to feel lived in – not overly designed – so whether someone is meeting a friend, working for a few hours or simply enjoying a great cup of coffee, it feels like a place they want to come back to." This sentiment suggests an intentional design choice to foster a sense of community and prolonged engagement, moving beyond the transient nature of some cafe experiences.
The operational efficiency and aesthetic integration of the coffee bar are noteworthy. A 2-group Modbar Espresso AV undercounter system is employed, deliberately chosen to maintain an open sightline between the baristas and the customers, fostering a more direct and interactive experience. For espresso preparation, dual Mahlkönig E80W Grind-by-Sync grinders ensure precise and consistent dosing, while a Nucleus NCD Pulse and a Puqpress automatic tamper contribute to the efficiency and quality of each shot. The back bar is equipped for diverse brewing methods, featuring a Curtis G4 batch brewer outfitted with a Litmus Coffee Labs UFO Spray Head for larger volumes, alongside two Orea Z1 brewers dedicated to manual pour-over service, catering to the nuanced preferences of coffee enthusiasts.
Culinary Excellence: From Morning Bites to Evening Delights
Complementing the beverage program is a robust culinary offering overseen by Chef Andy Nasser. The menu is thoughtfully structured to cater to different times of the day. For morning service, guests can expect a selection of elevated breakfast staples, including various scrambles, artisanal bagels, and creative toasts. A standout item is the banana-bread French toast, featuring bruléed banana cream and candied pecans, hinting at the kitchen’s commitment to inventive flavor combinations.
As the day progresses to lunch and dinner, the menu transitions to encompass a more diverse range of dishes designed to pair well with both coffee and wine. Offerings include delicate shrimp toast sliders, a rich smoked barbecue pork belly sandwich, fresh and vibrant salads, and satisfying bowls of udon noodles and gnocchi. This dual-menu approach ensures that Two Fold can serve as a consistent destination for patrons throughout the day, offering both lighter fare and more substantial meals.
A Rich History and a Vision for the Future
The opening of Two Fold Coffee & Kitchen is not an isolated venture for the Smiths. They have a well-established history in the Tampa coffee scene. Their previous venture, Foundation Coffee Co., began as a coffee trailer and patio in Riverview in 2015, followed by the opening of a cafe in Tampa Heights in 2016. Phil Schiller was notably their very first hire at Foundation Coffee Co., establishing a long-standing professional relationship that has now come full circle with Two Fold. The Smiths sold Foundation Coffee Co. in 2019 and subsequently focused their energies on Watermark Design Build, a firm that has clearly influenced the thoughtful design and construction of Two Fold.
Schiller’s journey also includes launching Klen Coffee, a cold-coffee concept initially based in Asheville, North Carolina. After relocating the business to Florida, he adapted it into an espresso pop-up that garnered attention before Jason Smith extended the invitation to collaborate on Two Fold. This collective experience and shared vision have culminated in a venture that leverages their diverse expertise.
While the immediate focus for Two Fold is on showcasing exceptional coffee from external roasters, the possibility of in-house roasting has not been entirely ruled out for the future. The company’s logo, featuring a hummingbird, symbolizes nimbleness and versatility, suggesting an adaptive business model. "I personally think that Tampa has been in need of a structured multiroaster concept for some time," Schiller commented. "We’re more than content to just feature and serve some of the best roasters in the world. But down the line, anything can happen." This statement indicates a strategic approach, prioritizing immediate operational excellence and customer experience while remaining open to evolving opportunities.
The Garrison House Context
Two Fold Coffee & Kitchen is strategically situated within The Garrison House, a contemporary coworking and community venue. This location offers shared workspaces, private call booths, meeting rooms, and a spacious covered patio, creating a dynamic environment that fosters professional and social interaction. The presence of Two Fold within this hub is likely to benefit from the existing foot traffic and the venue’s appeal to a diverse clientele. This integration suggests a symbiotic relationship, where Two Fold enhances the amenity offerings of The Garrison House and, in turn, benefits from its established community.
Broader Implications for Tampa’s Culinary Scene
The emergence of Two Fold Coffee & Kitchen signifies a maturing of Tampa’s specialty coffee and dining scene. The establishment’s emphasis on a multiroaster model, curated natural wine selection, and chef-driven cuisine positions it as a sophisticated destination that appeals to discerning consumers. By prioritizing quality ingredients, artisanal production methods, and a thoughtfully designed atmosphere, Two Fold contributes to elevating the city’s reputation as a culinary hotspot. The dual concept of a coffee shop and wine bar also addresses a growing trend of establishments offering versatile experiences that cater to different needs and occasions throughout the day and into the evening.
This strategic approach to blending high-quality coffee, natural wines, and exceptional food, all within a welcoming and well-designed space, sets a new benchmark for all-day dining and drinking establishments in the Tampa Bay area. The success of Two Fold will likely inspire further innovation and specialization within the local hospitality industry, encouraging other businesses to focus on niche markets and unique value propositions. The Smiths and Schiller’s collective vision and experience suggest a strong foundation for Two Fold to become a beloved and enduring fixture in the Tampa community.
