Founded in South Florida in 2018, Carmela Toast & Coffee Bar is a casual-dining coffee concept that has quickly proven successful, expanding to a total of seven locations. Two more locations are also on the way, one in Boca Raton and one in West Palm Beach.
“We have a very aggressive plan,” Carmela founder Rainier Abreu told What Now last week. “There are a number of conversations going on with people interested in franchising.”
The Carmela menu features classic espresso coffee drinks, plus brewed and cold brewed coffees. Its food menu features eight different approaches to avocado toast, including Caprese, Smoked Salmon & Egg, and Burrata & Prosciutto. The toast choices continue: try the Peanut Berry, with peanut butter, strawberries, a Nutella drizzle, and chia seeds, or the Mediterranean, with hummus, arugula, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, feta, and a balsamic glaze.
Maria Rosero, franchisee of the West Palm Beach location in partnership with her husband Miguel Cortes, says her favorite thing on the menu is the California Chicken Flatbread, with mozzarella cheese, chicken, bacon, avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, and chipotle ranch.
It’s the first coffee shop franchise for the couple, who hail from Colombia.
“We had the dream of having some kind of coffee shop,” Rosero told What Now on Wednesday. “A place where you to feel at home, not like a Starbucks.”
The couple searched for brand that would offer the high-quality menu and relaxed, comfortable setting they imagined, and eventually they found Carmela. Rosero said they could tell it was the right fit almost at first sight.
“We loved it,” Rosero said. “We love the coffee, we love the food, we love this place where you can feel at home far from home.”
Opening in West Palm Beach’s Village Commons, Carmela will be part of a vibrant food and drink community that includes eateries like Palm Beach Brisket & BBQ, Aroma Indian Restaurant, and NARA Sushi & Asian Fusion. It is expected to open it doors in early 2023.
