Pass the Past Coffee opened this spring at 4740 McPherson Ave., bringing locally sourced drinks, baked goods and vintage finds to the Central West End. The opening is an exciting comeback for husband-and-wife team Eugene and Erica Tsimerman, whose previous venture, the vintage boutique Pass the Past, was shuttered by a fire in 2022.
“We’ve come a long way since the fire three years ago,” said Erica. “Reopening took a lot of research, planning and preparation, and we’re grateful for the tremendous support from the neighborhood.”
The new concept blends the Tsimermans’ passion for vintage retail with their love of coffee. Their House Blend No. 1 – a smooth, balanced mix of Colombia and Ethiopia beans with chocolate and cherry notes – was developed over the course of a year in collaboration with local roaster First Crack, known for its Scandinavian-inspired light roasting style.
“We’re just one step away from the farmer, and that matters to us,” said Erica. “We care about how the coffee is sourced and roasted, but also about making sure every customer gets a consistent, quality cup that reflects the work behind it.”
The shop also offers two single-origin options from First Crack: Wush Wush, a bright and acidic coffee, and Honey Colombia, fermented with the fruit still attached for a distinctly fruity flavor. Popular drinks include hot and iced lattes made with house-made brown sugar vanilla syrup.
Food offerings come from local businesses such as Russell’s on Macklind, Poots Provisions, SweetArt and Patisserie Svoi. Teas are sourced from Teatopia, known for its artisan loose leaf blends, and bottled drinks include Martinelli’s apple juice, Rocky Mountain Soda Co. sodas, Japanese peach tea and water.
“Partnering with talented local bakers and purveyors has been a rewarding part of what we do,” said Eugene. “The neighborhood’s response has been very positive.”
At the front of the shop is a rotating boutique of curated vintage goods, including fine jewelry, men’s and women’s clothing, accessories and housewares. The selection is updated frequently and reflects the Tsimermans’ focus on style and quality.
This summer, they plan to launch a monthly music series with local DJs spinning one Saturday each month. The first hour of each set will be recorded and uploaded to the cafe’s YouTube playlist.
While there is currently no indoor seating, the Tsimermans are awaiting city approval for outdoor seating. The shop is open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This article appears in May 2025.