click to enlarge Vocon

Rendering

click to enlarge Vocon

Rendering

On the heels of a successful year-long pop-up shop that has been operating at the Bottlehouse Brewery in Lakewood, Rising Star Coffee Roasters announced plans to open a brick-and-mortar operation in that suburb. The new storefront (13380 Madison Ave.) is just doors away from the brewery and is expected to open in the next few weeks.That shop will join the original at the Ohio City Firehouse (1455 W 29th St., 216-273-3573), one in Little Italy (2187 Murray Hill Rd., 216-860-4897) and the newest at the Arcade (412 Superior Ave., 216-600-5820).For this latest location, Rising Star has partnered with Vocon to design the space. Cleveland-based Vocon is one of the largest architecture and design firms in the country. In this instance, what the client was after was a space that reflects the brand’s “approachable, easygoing vibe, while still being modern and refined – a sort of rustbelt chic, with emphasis on the chic.”“Vocon has been a wonderful partner throughout this process,” says Robert Stockham, general manager at Rising Star. “We trusted them to make their best recommendations for the space, and they delivered just the look and functionality we were hoping for.”With considerable room to work with, the designers focused on creating flexible meeting and event space in addition to the typical retail coffee experience.“We knew from Rising Star’s other shops that it was critical to create a space where customers can relax and meet with others,” says Bud Perry, project designer at Vocon. “With the additional room in this location, we wanted to take that idea one step further and offer even more opportunities for community engagement. The furniture moves easily to allow Rising Star to use the space in multiple ways, whether it’s setting up a stage area for entertainment, or closing off one room to host private events or educational coffee classes.”Officially opening in the next few weeks, the storefront will offer the full line of the brand’s coffees, pastries and other snacks. It will serve as the company’s first location outside of Cleveland proper.