
"We've been making our own chai since day one," Knott points out. More retail space allows for a few new items, including a Blue Sparrow chai-scented candle. Overflow seating in the form of comfy couches in the Circa lobby and a music system playing barista picks add to the ambience. The second Blue Sparrow is also likely to be the last, according to the owner, who adds, "We're not trying to be the next local chain, keep it small and special."Ī low, wood-slat ceiling and unique wallpaper make the new Blue Sparrow warm and cozy, even though it's bigger than its older counterpart. "We cater to neighbors, people who live and work in the area we're not trying to be the next big thing," says Knott. Jeffrey Knott And the two Blue Sparrows both have high residential and office density in their neighborhoods, which helps with the ultimate goal of establishing relationships with regulars. 364 days a year), and - hopefully - similar vibes.

Finally the opportunity came on Platte Street, and we felt like fit with what we're doing," he says.īoth coffee shops also offer similar seasonal coffee drinks, the same hours (6:30 a.m. We had a bunch of people seeking us out, requesting to open a Blue Sparrow in their buildings. We love what we're doing there, our employees and the neighborhood.

When we originally built Blue Sparrow, we didn't quite realize how special it was going to be. "We like what we're doing as far as the menu, our pastry provider, our processes and featured roaster. "Big picture is that they should be very similar," says Knott. But besides that, co-owner Jeffrey Knott, who runs the coffee shop with business partner Fiona Arnold, says the differences were intentionally kept to a minimum. The additional square footage is the most noticeable difference, along with wi-fi and increased occupancy. The new shop occupies almost double the space - about 800 square feet - in the main level of the newly constructed Circa Building. The first Blue Sparrow, which opened at 3070 Blake Street in 2017, measures in at a cozy 470 square feet. “It’s slightly sweet, slightly tart, and a beautiful color.” Bonus: For those attending 5280 Dines on October 22 at Backyard on Blake, Knott is creating a special cocktail for the evening featuring the soda.Blue Sparrow Coffee quietly debuted its second location at 1615 Platte Street last weekend. Case in point: One of Knott’s favorite items on tap is the house-made blueberry soda. This is not the shop to order a triple-shot, half-sweet, nonfat caramel macchiato, but Blue Sparrow also doesn’t take itself too seriously. A current favorite is Five Elephant from Germany. As Knott finds other top-notch roasters from around the world, he rotates them into Blue Sparrow’s mix.

“Quality is everything-from the equipment to the coffee itself.”Īside from its tucked-away location, what makes Blue Sparrow different from other Denver shops? For one, Knott partnered with local roaster Sträva Craft Coffee and always has Sträva’s beans on the retail shelf and in the hopper-as well on tap in the form of two cold brews: a nitro and a hemp oil-infused CBD. “ is a big reflection of what’s important in coffee to me,” Knott says. The limited space demands that Knott keeps the focus tight, which is fine by him. The result is Blue Sparrow, the name of which refers to the shop’s minuscule size and its gorgeous blue counter and banquettes.
