Give me Soma that coffee

Seven years have passed since Soma Coffeehouse and Juice Bar first won Best Coffee in Bloomington.

In those seven years, Soma witnessed the rise of multiple other coffee stores, increasing interest in sustainability and a change of ownership.

“I decided to buy the business (in 2008) because I was a long-time customer who wanted to make sure I could continue to get the best soy latte in Bloomington,” owner Bob Costello said in an email.

Soma originally found roots in Bloomington in January 1999 with founder Richard Satnick. Costello said the business has always had locals’ support, but their attitudes toward the growth and sale of coffee have changed throughout the years.

“I think students are more informed and/or experienced,” Costello wrote of the community that voted Soma No. 1 in 2004. “It is more important to them today to buy (fair) trade, organic coffee and to spend money with local businesses who support the
community.”

Each month, the shop focuses on aiding one community organization.

Soma is currently accepting food donations — “the healthier the better,” according to the business’ site, iheartsoma.com — for Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, a local food pantry.

The site also encourages the public to stop by the store and check its “Community Spotlight Board” for a calendar of other sponsored organizations, such as Hoosiers Outrun Cancer, Pride Film Festival and Habitat for Humanity.

Along with their philosophies of sustainability, composting, reducing, reusing and recycling, Costello said Soma’s employees maintain a creative take on drink preparation.

“What sets us apart is that Soma’s baristas are pulling espresso shots and truly making handcrafted drinks,” he said. “They are not using automated espresso machines.”

Specialty drinks include concoctions like the Lewinsky, the Peanut Butter Cup o’ Joe and the White Zombie.

Soma also serves vegan-friendly baked goods. Hungrier patrons can carry their beverages upstairs to The Laughing Planet Cafe.

Costello said the true purpose of Soma is “to provide a place for all people of the community to come to get a great coffee, espresso or fresh-squeezed juice.”

With the Best Coffee Drink distinction, the store seems to have achieved that goal.
“We continue to thrive — to provide our customers with excellent-tasting drinks,” Costello said.