A little over four years ago, Ray Carter and his wife took over Amelia Island Coffee in the downtown Fernandina Beach Historic District. The 140-year-old building once housed Steger’s Pharmacy & Soda Fountain, where it was a lively community gathering place. When you walk into Amelia Island Coffee today, you can feel the history in the original 1900’s architecture, exposed brick, and raw industrial construction.
Ray’s family from Waycross had vacationed on Amelia Island his entire life. One day, he woke up and just didn’t want to leave. Many vacationers who eventually become residents have felt this singular bliss. As proprietor of a hip coffee house in a historic building, Ray is deeply invested in maintaining continuity with the past, so don’t expect too many trendy changes from him. Local regulars and people who vacation here year after year can count on the familiar menu and comfortable décor welcoming them back.
My friend Lilly and I visited Ray recently to see how his last two years had been. We tasted coffees and heard his story. The Samoa with its dark chocolate was delightful, the Salted Turtle tastes pretzel-y and yummy, and Summer Lovin’ was not-too-sweet and buttery with a raspberry cold foam. Bahama Mama had the same cold foam, but with matcha, and sprinkled with toasted coconut. The matcha is from The Spice & Tea Exchange across the street – ceremonial grade, in fact!
“I like a challenge,” says Ray, looking back over the last few years. “I sometimes wonder how it is that this place is so successful, but the answer is clear – the locals, my superstar staff, and striving for efficiency. Many people are regulars who are in here every day and have been for years, since even before me. My staff are serious professionals, some who have been with me for three years or more. They can handle high volume without losing their calm smiles. Once someone has been in a few times, they remember their order. They are amazing! It blows my mind.”
Biscuits and gravy, beignets, and the cinnamon rolls are all popular menu items. I was hungry and I knew what I wanted, but it wasn’t specifically on the menu. Since every order is custom-made, I told the staff what I envisioned. My Avocado Toast with one fried egg and lettuce on the side was perfect. Red bean and green tea mochi were a fine punctuation mark. Lilly and I were at Amelia Island Coffee for two hours during the busiest part of the morning, and the place was humming with blissful satisfaction.
Cool drinks at a historic community gathering place are a summer delight, but hot coffee is still available. Beans roasted in Yulee and lavender from the corner store up the street are in keeping with Ray’s emphasis on community. What he can get locally he does. For those who just need hydration, but can’t make time to sit, the coffee shop has cups and cold water available, too.
Ray is making his dreams come true at Amelia Island Coffee, and he invites you in to begin your own lifelong traditions. His staff will take care of you. Amelia Island Coffee is located at 207 Centre Street in downtown Fernandina Beach.