The Blue Z Formula For Success:  Sit, Relax, Enjoy!

By John Voket

After nearly 30 years of straddling the worlds of corporate finance and food service, Steve Baluzy knew what he wanted, and what he did not want. That distinction was clear as the owner of the Blue Z Coffeehouse on South Main Street sat down to chat with The Newtown Bee this week.

“I wanted a comfortable place where you could sit down, enjoy a cappuccino or a muffin, read a book, surf the web, or just sit and stare out the window,” Mr Baluzy said. “...a place where you could come in the evening to check out some local entertainment, strike up an interesting conversation with the person at the next table, or just check out some original artwork.”

As Newtowners tossed out their 2008 calendars, ready to start 2009 fresh, Mr Baluzy was celebrating the his first week as the owner of Newtown’s newest coffee house at 127 South Main, which occupies the space that once housed a lamp and lighting store. He envisioned the location, almost exactly half-way between the flagpole and the Monroe Town line, as somewhat of an oasis for folks who live in the area, as well as for busy commuters who zip in and zip out for their daily fix.

Offering coffee, cappuccino, espresso, misto, mocha, latte, hot tea and cocoa, along with tasty dessert treats, free wireless Internet access, and a welcoming decor laid out like a comfy living room, Mr Baluzy hopes to create a new community gathering place for folks who do not have the energy or the inclination to drive up to the center of town or Sandy Hook just to grab a hot cup of joe, to cruise the web, or just hang out.

As he set his sights on refurbishing the space and gearing up for his grand opening, Mr Baluzy did not envision an establishment that tries to be all things to all people. While he temporarily featured salads from The Sesame Seed restaurant back in January, he quickly learned that his fresh-baked desserts, scones, muffins, cupcakes, and cookies were the things his patrons were clamoring for.

“I really didn’t want a restaurant, even salads and sandwiches, which we did try for a few weeks. I just don’t want people walking in to the smell of food cooking, or even the smell of salads being eaten,” he added. “I just wanted to it smell like coffee...and home.”

And if it is one thing Mr Baluzy should know enough about, it is restaurants. His first job was waiting tables at the popular Danbury natural food restaurant The Sesame Seed, which is owned by one of his uncles.

“I was a young guy at the time,” he recalled. “That’s where I learned how to make cappuccino.”

As he transitioned to college, Mr Baluzy went on to work the grill at another uncle’s place, George Sams Restaurant near the Danbury Courthouse on White Street.

“I put myself through Central [Connecticut State University] working as his short order cook,” he said.

Once he graduated into the world of corporate finance, Mr Baluzy did not lose his taste for the hospitality business. By day he was crunching numbers in a suit and tie.

But by night he worked beside his brother tending bar and booking entertainment, including local bands and national acts like Orleans and Jonathan Edwards at the Moondance Restaurant at Danbury Airport.

“That place eventually burned down, which you may have heard about,” he said. “But it gave me a taste for providing a showcase for great local and national talent.”

His quest to continue to provide a venue for local artistic and musical talent is “the other reason why I wanted to open my own place,” Mr Baluzy said.

On a recent Thursday the joint was jumping. As hosts Lauren Baluzy and Jayna Emond wrangled the javas and cappuccinos for thirsty patrons, Newtown musician Mike James and Mr Baluzy checked out the talent at the Blue Z’s biweekly open mic night.

Mr Baluzy is hoping to expand his entertainment offerings beyond the biweekly musicians’ showcase, which is hosted by Mr James. On Friday, February 27, he opened his doors for a public Poetry Slam — a competition at which poets read or recite original work or sometimes the work of others.Z

He said the allure of original poetry and strong coffee brought a packed house, and bodes well for other opportunities to bring unique types of activities to the area. On his website, which includes an occasional blog from Mr Baluzy, he writes: “I have also been toying with the idea of more entertainment — a tarot card reader, tea leaf reader, belly dancer. Maybe all of the above.”

“The place has kind of a Bohemian feel, which I think a lot of people really like,” he said. “In this business I think it’s the ambiance and our friendly interactions with customers that make them feel right at home, no matter how long they hang out.”

The current lineup of original artwork dotting the walls comes from the advanced art students at Danbury High School, but Mr Baluzy said he is always on the lookout for his next local exhibitor.

“I’m more into seeing how the presentation works with our layout here, than judging the quality of the content,’ he said of prospective artists who are approaching him for wall space at the Blue Z. “We’re really trying to build a new local network for artists and musicians.”

Mr Baluzy said he is also planning to move the entertainment outside once warm weather arrives, and if the opportunity permits.

For more information on the Blue Z Coffeehouse, click on www.blue-z-coffeehouse.com or call 364-0631.