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PORT BYRON
Besides the main level coffee and wine bar, the upper floor features two vacation rentals that are listed on Vrbo.
Blue Suede Cocktails & Coffee brings classy destination to Port Byron BY SARAH FORD For Shaw Media
A Port Byron couple is making their mark on the downtown scene and adding their own special flair to a village that continues to see growth despite the country’s economic challenges. Steve and Judi Gibson of Port Byron have owned and operated Interstate Batteries of the Quad Cities for 30 years, but when the opportunity came to acquire a prime location for a different kind of business, they knew the timing was right. Their original concept was a coffee bar, but it morphed into wine and cocktails and two shortterm rentals for travelers or day-trippers. The Gibsons purchased the former Young’s Heating & Air building at 125 N. Main St. in February 2020 and started the demolition process in March, right around the time when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “It slowed down the process and took us longer than planned, with all the restrictions,” said Judi. “But here we are,” she said with a smile, as she looked around the establishment on a busy Friday morning. Blue Suede officially opened on Thursday, Oct. 7 and so far, the community has been “very receptive” to the new business, she said. Social medi a and word of mouth have attracted a steady flow of customers, with many locals already returning for the coffee and drinks, including energy drinks, wines by the bottle or glass, beers, Uncommon and Cherry Bomb Blonde drafts, and a variety of cocktails. The new building also enhances Port Byron’s allure as a downtown
destination, with large windows and seating that face Main St. or the Mississippi River. A classy, warm, and welcoming atmosphere greets customers, with tables, chairs, and comfy couches situated throughout the two main rooms and plenty of space for privacy and conversations with friends. The business also provides the perfect outlet for the Gibsons to display their memorabilia – Judi is an avid Elvis Presley fan, which inspired the business name, and Steve is a Petroliana fan. A collection of Presley posters adds to the business’s charm, and the coffee and energy drinks are inspired by some of his songs, such as the Hound Dog coffee (peanut butter, banana, and chocolate), or the Priscilla coffee with Irish Cream. A wall of wine displays the various options, and a full bar with granite countertops is staffed by smiling barista/bartenders. A white baby grand piano is perfectly situated in a corner, with plans to bring in pianists for occasional entertainment. Also in the works are plans to offer pastries in the morning and simple, light appetizers such as meat, cheese, and cracker trays in the evening, to perfectly pair with the drinks. An outdoor patio features fire pit tables that emit warmth while taking in the picture-perfect view of the Mississippi River, along with more seating for guests to enjoy their drinks outdoors. Judi plans to have the outdoor area open “as long as can be,” even as winter weather nears. Besides the main level business, the upper floor consists of two vacation rentals, both with a living room, two bedrooms, a full kitchen, full bath, din-
Photos by Sarah Ford for Shaw Media
A fire pit and outdoor seating make for the perfect place to enjoy a drink and the Mississippi River view. ing table, washer and dryer, and a deck with seating for that spectacular river view. One rental has a nautical theme and the other Petroliana, matching the vintage truck parked on the corner in front of the business. So far, the bed and breakfast-type accommodations listed on Vrbo have been booked all weekends since opening. The couple’s goal is to “provide something different to the community” and bring a new downtown destination in the place where they’ve lived for over 30 years. “We want to promote the region to visitors and let them know of things to do right on the Mississippi,” said Judi. The building was designed by the Gibsons and built by their son-in-law Kevin Frey of Rapids City, along with local contractors. Now that it’s complete and the customers are satisfied, the long-awaited opening process has been worth the labor of love.
“Blue Suede is a wonderful addition to Port Byron’s downtown,” said Mayor Barb Cray. “It’s a beautiful and well-designed space to ‘drink’ - drink a cup of coffee or drink a glass of wine, and drink in the lovely view of the river! And the two short term rentals provide charming accommodations for anyone lucky enough to stay there.” The Gibson’s are still “testing the waters” on hours, with the following currently posted: 6 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Tuesdays, 6 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4 – 10 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 6 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. – midnight on Fridays, 8 a.m. – midnight on Saturday, noon – 8 p.m. on Sundays, and closed on Mondays. Plans are still in the works for a ribbon-cutting with village officials sometime in November. Find Blue Suede Cocktails & Coffee on social media for information and more.
WHITESIDE NEWS Shaw Media / ShawLocal.com • Tuesday, Oct 26, 2021
Business has been steady and satisfying since Blue Suede Cocktails & Coffee opened in downtown Port Byron on Oct. 7.
