Jackson Jambalaya

The tempting smell of freshly-baked pastries and coffee wafts through the air.  Welcome to The Bean Parlor, Gluckstadt's first and only coffee shop. 

Although Jasmine Calvert opened The Bean Parlor last week, her love of all things coffee began as a little girl. "When I was five and had a loose tooth, my mom would give me a hot chocolate and biscotti to help get it out.  I remember when I was 13 years old and had a bad day at school, my mom would take me to go get a frozen mocha. That always cheered me up. When I got older, I wanted to do that for people.  Now I want to make your frozen mocha to make you feel better for whatever is going on, if that makes sense" said Jasmine.

Jasmine started her barista career at Joe Muggs while she was still a student at St. Jo.  She graduated from Belhaven in Dance but coffee was always her first love.  She said "I love theatre but it was always more of a hobby.  I always loved coffee, I've always loved the atmosphere that coffee can provide, how it brings people together. I really just enjoy giving somebody a good day." 

She worked for seven years at Cups, honing her craft under the tutelage of franchisee Jeannie Alby as so many baristas have done.  However, opening her own coffee shop was in her blood. Thus she eventually spread her wings and left the Cups nest.

Scratching and scrambling, she opened The Bean Parlor in the Army Corps of Engineers building in Vicksburg. It was only 200 square feet but it was hers.  Determined to succeed, she rented kitchen time from Fitchef so she could bake pastries for the week.  However, the pandemic struck and the Corps closed the first incarnation of The Bean Parlor. 

Beaten but not beaten down, Jasmine got off the ground and opened a coffee delivery service during the shutdown.  Advertising on social media, she delivered coffee and pastries from Vicksburg to Jackson to Flora as the business flourished. "People wanted comfort food during the shutdowns", said Jasmine. However, the challenge turned out to be a blessing as it allowed her to fine-tune her baking skills and create a true pastry menu. 

Sales slowed as restaurants reopened but it allowed her to focus on finding a more permanent home for The Bean Parlor. She said she wanted to open in a city that was "up and coming, like Madison twenty years ago."  After looking at several cities, she chose to settle in Gluckstadt.

Jasmine said she picked the location because it is near the heart of Gluckstadt.  Indeed, several Big 10 Tire customers have passed through her doors as the thought of passing the time in a cozy coffee shop appealed more than did being stuck in waiting room hell across the street.  Reception to the Bean Parlor's opening has been strong. Jasmine said "People are excited to have a coffee shop.  Pastries have sold out several days in a row." 

The Bean Parlor serves a wide variety of coffees and pastries.  Flat-bread sammiches and quiches are served all day as well although the selection changes each week.  She plans to add more food items as demand improves.  Jasmine makes all pastries from scratch.    The menu is posted online.  Customers can order in advance at Thebeanparlor.net.

 

What you need to know

Hours of Operation: Open Monday through Friday (6 AM-7 PM) and Saturday (7-5)

Website: Thebeanparlor.net

Lunch: Yes.

Address: 111 Dees Drive, Gluckstadt.  Across the street from Big 10 Tire and The Shooting Range by Jimmy Primos. 

Curbside service: Yes

Order online: Yes. Use website.  

Public wifi: Yes. Password protected.  No mooching.   

Rewards: Free coffee every ten drinks.  No punch card needed.