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Highlands Today

Barnie's Coffee & Tea Opens Friday

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Special to Highlands Today

Published: December 10, 2008

ORLANDO Barnie's Coffee & Tea Company is returning to Sebring with a new franchise store.

The store opens at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 12 and is located in the Lakeshore Mall.

The Sebring store is owned by Alan Jay Wildstein, president of the Alan Jay Automotive Network. This is his first venture into retail coffee and tea.

"I've been a coffee enthusiast for years, enjoying different coffees from around the world," Wildstein said. "It's an exciting opportunity for me, and I'm very, very pleased to partner with the Barnie's brand."

"We thrilled to have Alan as part of the Barnie's family," said President/CEO Phil Jones. "This partnership is further evidence of our commitment to keep expanding throughout Florida."

The new Barnie's is a former Starbucks that was reacquired by the company and completely remodeled. It is 1,100 square feet and has seating to accommodate 10 people.

The store is the 13th that the company has opened or remodeled since Phil Jones reacquired the company earlier this year. The new store is designed with more space for coffee beans, tea products, appliances, gifts and accessories. Customers will find more display units, a bigger selection of merchandise and indoor seating. Patrons will also notice bright colors, graphics and large photos that detail coffee's journey from "seed to cup."

Barnie's was an original tenant when Lakeshore opened in 1992. Becky Osbeck, who managed the store, is returning to run the new store.

Barnie's Sebring is located at 901 U.S. 27 N. in the Lakeshore Mall. The store's holiday hours are 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday. The telephone number is 863-402-0001.

The company was founded in 1980 by Phil Jones in Winter Park. The company was reacquired by Jones in partnership with Jim Pugh. Barnie's has become one of America's premier specialty coffee and tea retailers, offering six roast levels and more than 20 flavored coffees. Barnie's also offers a variety of other products and programs via e-commerce and catalog divisions.

For more information, visit www.barniescoffee.com.

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