After sale falls through, new concept coming to former home of longtime Bexley coffee shop
After Bexley Cafe closed its doors in 2025, former co-owner Maria Schlegel noted the longtime East Side spot was hoping to sell the brand to someone else. A sale never materialized–meaning the Bexley Coffee Shop name won’t carry on–but East Siders will have a brand-new cafe to call their own in its stead.
John and Tara Squire are currently working to renovate the former Bexley Coffee Shop space, which was located at 492 Cassidy Ave., in order to launch their own concept, Bexley Coffee Co.
John Squire told 614Now the pair originally considered purchasing Beckley Coffee Shop, but “ultimately decided to move forward separately,” leasing the space about a year ago. He noted the new store is opening soon, although an exact opening date wasn’t shared.
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With the Squires running the new store, it will operate as a “true mom and pop shop,” he said. The local hospitality veteran also noted that having his own space is the realization of a long-term dream.
“I’ve been in the hospitality industry for over 25 years now, so I’ve long had dreams of opening my own concept. The nature of Bexley being such a supportive and welcoming community really inspired my wife and me to take the leap,” Squire said.
Focusing on “great hospitality first,” the new coffee shop will offer traditional drip, pour-over and espresso drinks, in addition to speciality seasonal offerings. Baked goods and convenient grab-and-go items will also be available.
Squire said that the city of Bexley has has provided support to the new business owners, and residents appear excited for a new cafe to open.
“We are already overwhelmed by the support and excitement the Bexley community has given us,” he said. “So many people have reached out to help us gain secure footing, including Mayor Ben Kessler, many of my friends in the Columbus hospitality community have shared their own experiences and advice on opening a small business and the neighbors we see each day in Bexley. Bexley is a community that enthusiastically supports its local businesses, so it has been incredibly inspiring to feel the excitement and anticipation our neighbors share for something new!”
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