The aroma of freshly-brewed coffee fills the air. There are people of all ages snuggled in overstuffed armchairs with books in their hands while friendly familiar faces greet customers at the door. Drinking coffee is a pastime of the South, and now coffeeshops provide a gathering place for the young and old alike, said Cathy Benoit, president and CEO of the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce, said.

“Coffeeshops are an asset to the expanding Thibodaux community, and growth could continue,” Beniot said.

The newest edition to the Thibodaux coffeeshop community is Starbucks Coffee, located on Canal Street near Wal-Mart, which opened Friday.

Starbucks Coffee was founded in Seattle, Wash. in 1971 and has more than 30 blends and single-origin coffees, according to www.starbucks.com.

Unlike the traditional coffeeshops in Thibodaux, Starbucks Coffee is a chain that can be found in all 50 states and in 36 countries.

In addition to Starbucks Coffee, there are four coffeeshops in Thibodaux.

The coffee bar in the St. Thomas Aquinas Student Center opened in January and serves the faculty, staff and students of Nicholls.

“We’re here for the church community, students, faculty and staff. We’re not competing with any businesses,” Carol Richard, manager of the coffee bar, said.

Other coffeeshops have been in the community longer.

The Coffee Table, located at 1129 Audubon Ave., opened in October 2002 and was established to meet the community’s need for a traditional coffeeshop, owner Gordon Whyte, said.

“The Coffee Table has a relaxed atmosphere where the customer can sit and stay awhile,” Whyte said.

Another traditional coffeehouse in Thibodaux is the Demitasse Coffee and Tea House, located at 424 Saint Mary St.

The Demitasse Coffee and Tea House opened in September 2001 as a small coffeeshop. Because of the demand from college students, the shop expanded and added a larger dining area. More recently an Internet caf has opened in the shop, owner Debbie Heard said.

Coffee drinks are not limited to just hot drinks anymore. Frozen and iced coffees have also become popular.

Dorian Harris, communicative disorders junior from New Orleans, said the Caramel Ice Latte from Jazzman’s is one of his favorites.

Each coffeeshop has a different coffee that is its most popular seller.

The Sumatra French Roast is a favorite at the Coffee Table, according to Whyte. The most popular coffee drink at the Demitasse Coffee and Tea House is Debbie’s House Blend, which is a blend of four secret coffee beans, Heard said. Jazzman’s frequently sells the Frozen Dark Chocolate Mocha, Brian Allen, retail supervisor for Sodexho, said.

Students on campus are also becoming a part of the coffee craze.

“I started to drink coffee because it helped me to stay awake, but now I drink it for the taste, too,” Angelle Hardesty, government junior from Plattenville, said. “I like the Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks, and I will probably visit there often,” Hardesty said.

Middle (Natalie Wells)

Top (Natalie Wells)