Gold Sprint: A Tale of Bikes and Beans
Differentiation is in the details.
The cozy, eclectic interior of Gold Sprint is very welcoming. (Photo/Steve Babin)
With so many new tantalizing third-wave coffee hangs popping up in Huntsville, there’s only one that features a trike-riding stuffed raccoon that’s toting a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer. Add to that are felt pennants, elaborately designed skateboards, and a multitude of karate trophies.
Gold Sprint Coffee + Bikes is destined to be eclectic, funky, yet still serve you up a memorable cup o’ Joe.
The shop and its quirky décor promise to be quite the unique place to hang out or telework.
Within easy walking distance of the Huntsville Parks and Recreation office, Trailhead and Lowe Mill, Gold Sprint sits at the corner of 1st Street and 9th Avenue with Huntsville West and Urban Engine a good solid walk or bike ride away.
Everything about Gold Sprint has been well-thought out and carefully executed. From the bar design, to the kitchen and the main area tables and seating, there are no accidents.
“We want to be that third space between work and home.” (Photo/Steve Babin)
Although the vibe is geared toward avid and recreational cyclists, the space promises to have guaranteed appeal teleworkers, soccer moms, and aspiring entrepreneurs.
“We want to be a destination location,” said owner Victor Burlingame.
Burlingame’s years of experience in the cycle shop world have prepared him for this moment.
“The bike shop influences how we work here,” he said. “We are the ‘fixed gears’ of coffee shops. Fixed gears appeal to different people. If fixed gears are what gets people into bikes, the same analogy can apply to coffee.
“There is no ‘wrong’ drink.”
Then, there’s the coffee.
“For our roasts, we are working with Domestique, a socially responsible coffee importer and roaster and also the best coffee in Birmingham,” said Burlingame.
The newly minted staff of established baristas is committed to providing a quality product and top-notch customer service.
“Personality is as important as coffee and we want to give customers the best product for their dollar,” said Burlingame. “We want to be that third space between work and home.”
Inspired by the iconic Bottletree café in Birmingham, Gold Sprint has plans to book live music.
“There’s a lot of homogenization of the world because of Pinterest and Instagram,” said Burlingame. “If we build something, they (our competitors) will have to copy us.”
