C. Oliver Coffee & Flower Bar will open in former Orbit Pinball space

Downtown Maplewood will get a new coffee shop and florist just in time for summer. C. Oliver Coffee & Flower Bar is slated to open in early June at 7401 Hazel Ave., formerly Orbit Pinball Lounge.

The project is the brainchild of longtime friends and Maplewood residents Olivia Medina and Alyssa Schuler. Medina used to run Oliver M’s, a cafe in her church, the New Destiny Worship Center in Maplewood, and Schuler was a professional florist. They decided to merge their passions into a single business – the name is a combination of Medina’s cafe and the first initial of Schuler’s late father.

“You’ll be able to order coffee on one side and a handmade bouquet on the other,” Medina said.

The shop will offer coffee drinks, including espressos, iced coffees and lattes, featuring Sump Coffee along with grab-and-go items from neighboring Great Harvest Bread Co. Medina said they’re in the process of partnering with other Maplewood business for additional food items. She said one unique item to look for is a “mock-tte”, a coffee-free latte using steamed coconut milk for those who don’t want to indulge in caffeine.

Since the building has a history as a bar and a cafe, Medina said there isn’t much renovation to do other than cosmetic upgrades. She said the interior will seat about 40, with another 15 or so seats on the patio. Medina and Schuler also intend to host open mic nights, live music and other community events.

“We love Maplewood and love being a part of it,” Medina said. “We really want everyone to feel welcome.”

Medina said C. Oliver will be open Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Matt Sorrell is a staff writer at Sauce Magazine.