Oceanside Neighbors Gather at The Cup

Rare Earth’s “I Just Want to Celebrate” blasted from Bruce Benedict’s Car as he parked in front of coffee shop on 206 Wisconsin Ave.

He left the song on, walked in and took a seat — but not before sneaking in a little air guitar.

He buys a cup of coffee there daily.

“It’s a real local shop,” he said. “It’s got a real local feel to it.”

That may be because he and others in the neighborhood helped owner, Calen Rae, renovate it. The shop, which has been in town since early 2009, closed mid-July for the improvements and reopened in October.

Benedict, a retired stoneworker, built the counter, which extends for much of the shop’s length. The previous counter was closer to the front door and left less room for patrons, Rae said.

He’s seen the benefits of the more inviting counter.

“People hang out a little longer,” he said, “but it’s still the same hometown vibe.”

The shop often features local art and many times people go in to watch snowboard or surf videos when the flat screen television isn’t showing football.

The shop serves an assortment of coffee products, as well as sandwiches and organic smoothies.

But sometimes people go in just to get a bottle of water and socialize, said Greg Lipton, who also pitched in with the renovation.

“Everyone has something they can relate to each other about,” he said. “It’s a neighborhood social spot.”

The Cup is opened daily from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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