The Bean expansion almost complete, ribbon cutting Sept. 12

The Bean is expected to open early September at 6 West Main after months of construction.

The business is planning to have a  ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for Sept. 12.

Leslie Gerrish, co-owner of The Bean, said because the community coffeehouse has grown to be a part of the Vermillion community, they decided to expand.

“I think what I’ve liked is how (The Bean) has evolved from perhaps something that was more based on trying to have the best coffee in town,” Gerrish said. “But now I feel like it’s part of a community. We’re kind-of (creating) a lovely space for people to feel really welcome… we’re small but mighty and that’s okay.”

Martin Prendrgast, the other co-owner of The Bean, bought the property for the new location from Jarad Higman, the owner of REDs Steakhouse.

The old location of the coffeehouse was inside the Iron Rooster, a home decor store. The new location is right next door to the Iron Rooster.

An espresso machine, additional counter space, pastry options, more seating, open micro-offices, a community table, additional outlets and renting options are what customers can expect when the coffee shop opens its doors a second time.

Gerrish moved to Vermillion with her husband, a USD political science professor, in 2015. She began working for the USD foundation while also selling cold brew coffee and iced teas at the local farmers market.

This time period allowed Gerrish hone her craft and led her to open The Bean in Oct.
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2016.

Sasha McDowell, senior English and French double major, is a barista at The Bean. She said she enjoys getting to know the customers on a personal basis.

“At The Bean it’s even more so focused on customers. Like I know people by their first name, they know me. I recognize people, we know each other, they’re my regulars and I feel this kind-of camaraderie with them I guess, which I did not quite get at Starbucks,” McDowell said.

McDowell said she is looking forward to how “open” the new space will be.

“I’m super excited. I am really superficial so I’m excited to get to work in a place that is aesthetically pleasing. The last Bean was nice. It was cool but it was very small; it was cramped,” McDowell said.

Nate Welch, president and CEO of the Vermillion Area Chamber and Development Company said he has enjoyed watching The Bean expand.

“This business is a great example of that entrepreneurial spirit that we have in Vermillion,” Welch said. “What has been really exciting about this (has been) to watch this business grow from the passion and eyes that Leslie brought to it to the very smart and strategic way in which they opened their doors.”