Press & Co. Owner, Kimberly Cox. // Photos by Elizabeth Gelineau
Not long ago, Press & Co. was an organic cold-pressed juice company with no permanent brick-and-mortar location. However, when current owner Kimberly Cox noticed a need for health-conscious offerings on the Eastern Shore, she set to work creating the business’ permanent home in Olde Towne Daphne.
Cox recruited Alex Pikul, owner of Kind Cafe in Fairhope and now operating partner at Press & Co., for his expertise and advice. “I needed someone who could be here day to day and also someone who had the experience to help me bring it all together,” she says. For Pikul, success lies in the foundation of the business: its employees. “When our staff takes care of each other, ultimately, that trickles down to the customers,” he says. “If we have a great product and a great brand, how do we truly make it an authentic, wowing experience every time somebody walks in the door?”
Press & Co.’s clean, white-bricked facade has been a welcoming introduction to that experience ever since the cafe opened in August. The baby blue of the outside umbrellas carries inside, splashed across the menus and the espresso machine for a bright, uplifting ambiance. Organic coffee, sourced from Amavida Coffee in 30A, is served from behind the counter. “Coffee beans are one of the moldiest crops, so we really have to pay attention to where we source our coffee,” says Cox. A grab-and-go refrigerator puts cold-pressed juices, with names like Skin Glow, Green Machine and Energizer, front and center.
While organic cold-pressed juice and coffee was Press & Co.’s original focus, it quickly became apparent that healthy food was needed too. The heavily organic menu, developed by Chef Hunter Harris, emphasizes thoughtfully sourced, quality ingredients. Customers stop by after a morning workout class or from dropping off kids at school, replenished by breakfast offerings such as avocado toast, a sweet potato hash bowl and organic smoothies. At lunchtime, patrons settle in for a nutrient-dense Mediterranean bowl, kale Caesar salad or chicken pesto sandwich. “I’m very proud of the community’s support,” says Cox. “I love to see that people feel the same way I do about eating clean.”
Left Mediterranean Bowl. Right Avocado Toast, Whipped Goat Cheese and Sweet Potato Hash Bowl
On the Menu
Green Machine
Romaine, spinach, lime, celery and cucumber combine for a juice packed with nutrition. A pinch of Himalayan salt gives this drink a boost of hydration.
Skin Glow
Green apple lends sweetness to a medley of cucumber, lime, mint and ginger for a juice that will have you glowing from the inside out.
Whipped Goat Cheese
Creamy and tangy whipped goat cheese is decorated with honey-balsamic roasted strawberries and drizzled with olive oil and basil leaves. Spread onto pita triangles and enjoy!
Sweet Potato Hash Bowl
Seasoned roasted sweet potatoes give a spicy kick to this breakfast bowl. Sauteed onion, bell pepper and kale mix with bits of bacon and are topped with a fried egg for a nutrient-dense start to the day.
Avocado Toast
Perfect for breakfast or a hearty snack, toasted-yet-chewy sourdough serves as a bready base for mashed avocado mixed with lime and red pepper flakes. Tomatoes, herbs and salt add the finishing touches.
Mediterranean Bowl
Wild-caught salmon is the star protein on top of quinoa, baby arugula, sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers and red onion. A sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese, a splash of house vinaigrette and you’re feeling healthier already.
Press & Co. • 711 Belrose Ave., Daphne • 314-0778 • Mon – Sun 7 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
