There are many places to visit in Central Florida, from theme parks such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios to one of its many resorts where one can golf or enjoy a relaxing day at the spa. All of these places are fun to visit with family and friends, but there is one place in Central Florida that not too many people are familiar with and that place is Crescent’s Coffee & Tea. Located at 920 New York Avenue, it is a new addition to downtown Saint Cloud and its many restaurants and shops. Crescent’s Coffee & Tea has been open for about two months now and has been well recieved by the people as well as the shops around town.
“I’ve been in the food and beverage business since I was eight years old with my mother’s catering company,” said Gary Conness, 42, owner of Crescent’s Coffee & Tea. “I’ve been a grocery manager and have worked at Disney, but I’ve always had a lingering thought about opening a coffee shop.”
Gary D. Conness is Originally from San Francisco and came to Florida 16 years ago. Gary and his wife Crescent, the shop’s namesake, as well as their daughter run the shop serving and baking and experimenting with various drink and food combinations to form signature drinks.
Crescent’s Coffee & Tea serves a number of items from hot, pressed sandwhiches to its bakery items shipped from Orlando. They even have their
Barista License to make Cappuccinos and lattes and other coffee drinks that you would find at other coffee shops. They also sell soups as well as hot cider and hot chocolate when they are in season.
In addition to selling coffee, tea and other delicious items, Crescent’s Coffee & Tea offers a pleasent enviroment for its guests that inludes free wi-fi, couches and chairs and displays art created by local artists that are for sale to the public.
“When you’re here, you own your own space,” said Conness. “We don’t kick you out. We
close at four o’clock, but it’s just a guide. We’ve stayed open as late as nine o’clock one time.”
With flexibility such as this, many people stop in on a regular basis.
“Crescent’s is so cute and quiant,” said Kayla Sullivan, 21, St. Cloud resident. “Crescent’s is super peaceful and relaxing. I also love that when I drink their flavored coffee I can taste the flavoring and still taste the coffee.”