Just about every child of the ’90s remembers the TV show Friends. The six friends and their lives all revolved around one local coffeehouse … Central Perk. Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe essentially had a homegrown cafe all their own, and it was part of what made the show so much fun.
While Central Perk may be indigenous to the Friends set, Manhattan has it’s own localized coffee shop – winner of the Purple Apple Award for Best Coffee Shop: Radina’s Coffeehouse & Roastery.
“It’s always flattering and humbling to win an award that originates from a broad vote,” Radina’s founder Wade Radina said.
The story of how Radina’s came to be is quite the tale.
“When I was getting my undergraduate degree at K-State, back in the late ’80s, I worked as a barista … in Aggieville,” Radina said. “In fact that’s where I met my wife. We always loved Manhattan and the coffee business so when we had a chance to buy the store back in 2001 it gave (us) the opportunity to move back to a town we loved and to own a business we felt contributed to the community.”
Radina’s prides itself on its local charm.
“Unlike our competitors, Radina’s is locally owned and operated,” Radina said. “We also make all of our products from scratch with locally grown ingredients.”
Their website recommends that after roasting coffee, “it should be enjoyed within 14 days.” Since many larger-scale shops are unable to abide by this guideline, Radina’s has taken matters into their own hands, and roasts their own coffee.
With three different locations, one on 2809 Claflin Road, another at 616 N. Manhattan Ave., and even one located inside the Leadership Studies building, students are never far from a quick cup of coffee.
Operating hours are flexible as well: Aggieville’s location is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Claflin’s location comes with a drive-thru, and is open Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and weekends from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The shop inside the Leadership building gives students the opportunity to catch a break every weekday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The only trouble is choosing an item off of the menu.
There are quite a variety of choices. With everything from pastries to Americanos, customers will never be left wanting for selection. The most popular items, according to Radina, are coffee drinks – especially mochas.
Additionally, Radina’s is taking its business further with the recent opening of their bakehouse, located at 227 Blue Earth Place. Radina said this new opportunity gives both him and his employers the chance to focus on educating people about artisan breads and hand-made chocolate.
It seems like there is simply no stopping Radina’s from conquering the world of coffee. So whether you’re pulling an all-nighter, or have a 7:30 a.m. lecture and need your caffeine fix, never fear, Radina’s has your back.
Content created by Collegian Media Group’s advertising staff.
