Blue Bottle Leases Bushwick Factory to Roast Beans, Open Cafe
By Terence Cullen June 8, 2015 2:18 pm
reprints
Blue Bottle Coffee, the Oakland, Calif.-based brewer now pouring into New York, has inked a deal for a new roasting warehouse in Bushwick.
The coffee company is taking 15,800 square feet at 279 McKibbin Street between White Street and Bushwick Avenue in the northern Brooklyn neighborhood, according to Thor Retail Advisors. Blue Bottle will use the warehouse to roast its coffee and a baking facility for its Tartine brand. A cafe will also be at the site.
Asking rent was $40 per square foot in the 15-year lease, which closed about two weeks ago, brokers in the deal said.
Blue Bottle has been percolating in popularity in the city, with seven locations between Manhattan and Brooklyn. The artisanal coffee maker will now service these locations with coffee roasted in the new Bushwick facility, according to Thor Retail Advisors.
“This production facility is a commitment they’re making with the intention to strategically and thoughtfully open more cafe in the tri-state and the northeast,” said Matthew Seigel of Thor Retail Advisors, who represented the tenant in the deal. “You’ll get to really be a part of or witness the production process and see the way the product is manufactured and roasted, and at the same time, enjoy the finished product.”
Andy Clemens of Ripco Real Estate represented the landlord in the deal, but declined to provide the identity. Property records list Cheskel Schwimmer as the owner.
“It’s a fantastic use. We see a lot of these food prod businesses exploring this east Williamsburg area,” Mr. Clemens told Commercial Observer. He added the cafe component of the site will be a big hit “because there is enough foot traffic and co-tenants supporting businesses in the neighborhood.”
