Discover Daycation Coffee: St. Petersburg’s Newest Specialty Coffee Shop
A new coffee shop has opened in downtown St. Petersburg, called Daycation Coffee & Tea. It is located at 189 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N., near the Venezuelan café, 11 Chicks. The shop focuses on specialty coffee drinks and local pastries.
Owner Rachel Zhang opened Daycation on Sunday. She was born in China and moved to the U.S. for college. Her cultural background influenced the shop’s menu. “I wanted to bring something new to the St. Pete community,” Zhang said.
Zhang worked in advertising in Los Angeles but dreamed of owning a coffee shop for years. After moving to South Tampa and starting a family, she decided to make her dream a reality. The process to open Daycation took several months. Zhang faced challenges finding the right location and spent a year on renovations.
Every aspect of the coffee shop reflects Zhang’s personal style. Daycation features signature drinks like “Ode to my 90s,” a black sesame espresso latte, and “Morning Forest,” a matcha latte with espresso. Zhang uses fresh, seasonal ingredients and prefers not to rely on traditional sweeteners.
– What unique offerings can customers expect at Daycation Coffee & Tea?
Interview with Rachel Zhang, Owner of Daycation Coffee & Tea
Location: Daycation Coffee & Tea, 189 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg
News Directory 3: Congratulations on your new coffee shop, Daycation Coffee & Tea! What inspired you to open this establishment in downtown St. Petersburg?
Rachel Zhang: Thank you! I wanted to bring something new to the St. Pete community. My cultural background has played a significant role in shaping the menu, blending traditional coffee culture with elements from my upbringing in China.
ND3: You have quite a journey, transitioning from a career in advertising to owning a coffee shop. What motivated you to make that leap?
RZ: I’ve dreamed of owning a coffee shop for years. Living in Los Angeles was great for my advertising career, but after moving to South Tampa and starting a family, I realized it was time to pursue my passion. It took several months of planning and hard work, but it was worth it!
ND3: Opening a business often comes with its challenges. Can you share any particular hurdles you faced during the process of launching Daycation?
RZ: Definitely. Finding the right location was a major challenge, and it took a year to complete the renovations. But I was determined to create a space that reflects my vision and style, and I persevered through it all.
ND3: Every coffee shop has its unique offerings. What can customers expect from your menu at Daycation?
RZ: Our menu features five signature drinks, seasonal specials, and a variety of traditional coffees and teas. I’m particularly excited about our signature drinks like “Ode to my 90s,” a black sesame espresso latte, and “Morning Forest,” a matcha latte with espresso. We use fresh, seasonal ingredients and avoid relying on traditional sweeteners, creating flavors that resonate with the local palate.
ND3: Your logo features your French bulldog, Dango. What motivated you to incorporate that personal touch into your brand?
RZ: Dango is a huge part of my life, and having his image in our logo adds a personal touch that I wanted to bring to Daycation. An artist friend helped design it, and it captures the spirit of what I want this place to be — warm, inviting, and unique.
ND3: You mentioned your partnership with Torch Coffee for your beans. How did that collaboration come about, and what makes your coffee special?
RZ: I spent months working with Torch Coffee in Kansas to create a custom blend for Daycation. It features delightful fruity and floral notes with a hint of sweetness. I wanted something distinct that sets our coffee apart and resonates with coffee enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
ND3: What future plans do you have for Daycation, especially regarding food options?
RZ: We currently collaborate with local bakers for our pastries, but I plan to expand our food offerings to include items like avocado toast and cold sandwiches. I want to create a well-rounded experience for our customers that goes beyond just coffee.
ND3: How do you feel about being a business owner in St. Petersburg, and how do you see Daycation fitting into the community?
RZ: I feel right about this space and city. I’m excited about the future of Daycation, and it brings me joy to share my passion for coffee with others. This community deserves a welcoming spot where people can enjoy high-quality drinks and connect. Let’s do this!
The shop’s logo is based on Zhang’s French bulldog, Dango, created by an artist friend. Daycation’s coffee beans are roasted by Torch Coffee in Kansas. Zhang spent months working with Torch to create a custom blend of beans. The blend features fruity and floral notes with some sweetness.
Daycation’s menu includes five signature drinks, seasonal specials, and traditional coffees and teas. The shop’s seating is limited, as it mainly operates as a grab-and-go location. Zhang collaborates with local bakers and plans to add more food options like avocado toast and cold sandwiches.
Zhang is excited about the future of Daycation and enjoys being a business owner. She emphasizes her passion for coffee and the joy of sharing it with others. “I feel right about this space and city,” she says. “Let’s do this.”