SOUTH BEND-Over the years, the owners of Zen Cafe have received questions about the company's name. Some people doubt whether they are a Buddhist company or a yoga studio.

"When we travel, I want to talk to another cafe or roaster about the supply of green coffee. Whenever I mention Zen Cafe, it is so common, you can see that one ear enters the other. An ear," the shop owner Shaun Maeyens said. "So, in terms of brand weight, we need something that not only defines us, but is also attractive and unique." 

Therefore, owner Maeyens and partner Kristin Brinley are renaming Zen Cafe to Kodachrome Coffee. 

Brinley and Maeyens said that the name is based on a color photo film developed by Kodak, which more comprehensively and accurately represents the company's transformation since its establishment. 

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When Maeyens started operations more than ten years ago, the business initially focused on wholesale-selling coffee beans he picked directly from coffee farmers in Central America.

But now, it has surpassed the wholesale business to become a community-driven cafe. On any given day, the space at 530 E. LaSalle Ave. is packed with all kinds of customers, from the older South Bend locals. People to young professionals and high school and college students.

Brinley and Maeyens deliberately created this space. They said that they wanted to be a bridge between college students and locals like the previous Lula's Cafe.

Brinley said: "It has some very special things and the intention behind it. It is drawn to make everyone feel welcome."

"We are not trying to imitate it," Maeyens said.

"But we are trying to take the lead in this regard because it no longer exists, at least as part of that bridge."

Inside, mid-century modern style furniture curated by local designer Matthew Stackowicz fills the modern space with warmth, and items created by local craftsmen are scattered everywhere for purchase.

"Really, it's about capturing memories and all kinds of things," Brinley said. "People get together to drink coffee and take pictures, create memories and make connections... We really want to bring our views here to everyone, to be with everyone, we really want to be with them Create those memories and provide a space for people to develop into this space freely."

Maeyens and Brinley guarantee that the coffee blend and product will remain the same, but some other changes are expected. In the next few weeks, the espresso bar in the north of the space will be under construction as it has been pushed back 8 feet to free up more seating space. During these five weeks, the espresso bar will be moved to the roasting area and will eventually undergo its own transformation, where training, research and development and plans to expand wholesale education will be carried out.

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“This is a way for wholesale customers to come here, not only to try coffee, but also to provide them with on-site settings on the espresso machine, to provide them with a real cafe layout,” Maeyens said. 

The owner also plans to launch a food menu, saying that the options will be "less traditional," but did not provide other details. Brinley said, "We will contact you as soon as possible."

The second location is also under construction, as the owners of Kodachrome are currently negotiating plans to open in Studebaker 84 near Lafayette Avenue. Purdue Institute of Technology and companies such as The Tribune and Em En Studios are also located there. Inside the building. 

"We will continue to develop and meet the needs of our community. (We ask customers) please be patient as we go through this process," Brinley said. "This is more true to our identity and more tolerant to the entire community, which is very important to us." 

"And they can still drink the coffee they have been serving for the past 12 years," Maeyens said. 

Maeyens and Brinley stated that they expect to fully transition to the Kodachrome Coffee name and logo by the end of April. It is expected that the construction of the space will also be completed within the timetable.

Please contact Mary Shown at 574-235-6244 and mshown@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter: @maryshownSBT and @marketbasketSBT.