A Holbrook Highland couple seems to be systematically building up the small business community in Topaz Ranch Estates, first with a hair salon, and now with an authentic coffee house.
A month ago, Jim and Sylvia LeGare opened LeGare's Coffee Depot right next to LeGare's Salon in the Arden Center. The latter has been open for nearly two years.
"People are so supportive of our business," said Sylvia. "This community is such a great community."
"There's nothing like it here," Jim said of the new coffee shop. "The people here deserve a nice place to go."
Coming in from the dry, wind-scraped mountains of Topaz, patrons will find a surprisingly cozy coffee house reminiscent of the city: chic, modern decor, and all the sophisticated smells and sounds of an urban java joint.
LeGare's Coffee Depot offers organic coffee from Genoa Candy & Coffee Co., both in cup and pound, lattes, espressos, frappes (try the peanut butter), iced drinks and smoothies, as well as Danish pastries and donuts from Donuts To Go in Carson City.
There's also free WiFi for customers.
"It gives community members somewhere else to meet," Sylvia said.
Jim, a retired peace officer from Vacaville, and Sylvia, who owned a salon for 18 years in Woodland, have been splitting their time between California and Nevada for years.
Unfortunately, in 2008, the dream house they built together off Highland Way caught fire and was damaged. Fortunately, the fire claimed only half of the house, and the family's insurance covered reconstruction of the rest, which took about six months.
After the fire, Sylvia decided to leave California for good, and she opened up the salon in TRE. While their house was being rebuilt, the family lived in one of their own rentals down the street.
"The community has been so supportive," Sylvia reiterated.
Jump ahead a year. After friend Dana Prevost closed a deli in nearby Wellington, the LeGares were offered all the bells and whistles of a cafe environment, from the espresso machine and display case right down to the cash register. The only thing missing was the coffee house to go along with the equipment.
When the family decided to move forward with their plans, renovation of the Arden suite included not only an urbane color scheme, but literally punching a hallway to the next suite over, LeGare's Salon, allowing customers to mingle between the two locations.
For example, someone getting their hair done might suddenly crave an iced latte.
"We're continuously building customers as people learn we're here," said Sylvia.
On Sept. 19, LeGare's Coffee Depot hosted their grand opening, during which Sylvia performed vocals with her band The Unusual Suspects.
"The place was packed," said Jim. "Reception from the community has been excellent."
The LeGares said they already have regulars from TRE, Smith Valley and the Topaz area on both sides of the border.
"We try to keep everything as local as we can," Sylvia said. "We can support our community because they support us."
LeGare's Coffee Depot is located at 1490 Albite Road, Suite 4. Business hours are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Call 266-4516 for more information.
