Buddy Brew Coffee truck arrives early in Hyde Park Village

Visitors to South Tampa’s Hyde Park Village can enjoy Buddy Brew Coffee drinks on Monday and Friday mornings through the rest of summer and fall.

The truck's arrival is designed to offer customers a taste of Buddy Brew Coffee before the planned late 2015 opening of a new, permanent location in the former Ashworth Artisan Chocolates space at 1605 W. Snow Ave. between Wine Exchange Bistro and the new bartaco restaurant. 

Until the shop opens, customers can enjoy signature drinks from the Buddy Brew Coffee truck parked near the Hyde Park Village fountain from 7 a.m. -- 11 a.m. on Mondays and Fridays.

Buddy Brew joins established boutiques and small businesses as well as several new retailers and restaurants in Hyde Park Village. Restaurant bartaco and papery and gift retailer Paper Source opened earlier this month. Anticipated burger restaurant Goody Goody is planning to open in the Village later this year.

For Buddy Brew cofounders David and Susan Ward, opening a location in historic Hyde Park Village hits close to home.

“We couldn’t be more excited to finally be moving into our neighborhood,” Dave Ward says. “We are personally and deeply connected to the Village. It’s a real and continual part of our daily lives. It only makes sense that we make this commitment to participate in its growth and success.”

A tip from Ward: Customers can order any of Buddy Brew’s artisan coffee drinks iced to ward off summer heat. In fact, Buddy Brew’s cold brewed iced coffee is “so popular we can’t keep the stuff made!” Ward says.

Another crowd favorite: the Affagato, a shot of Double Dog Espresso poured over vanilla gelato. “Can you say scrumptious on a hot summer day?” Ward says.

Following a large menu expansion and store remodel in 2013, Buddy Brew’s original location at 2020 W. Kennedy Blvd. near downtown Tampa, isn’t going anywhere. Buddy Brew is also served at local retailers like Oxford Exchange and the Blind Tiger Café. 

“Our Roastery is our flagship shop and original location,” Ward says, but there’s room for growth. "The Village has been a hub of South Tampa and a beloved destination for decades. We are honored to bring the Buddy Brew Coffee brand to the heart of this community, and look forward to serving it with exceptional coffees and hospitality."