Caf/ blends cappuccino with computers

JOEL DAVIDSON\Frontiersman reporter

WASILLA -- The new Valley MacStore and iCafe combines high-speed computer technology with cosmopolitan cafe ambiance to create a store that is difficult to pigeonhole.

Earlier this week customers sat in the cafe section of the store, surfing the Internet while sipping espresso drinks. Artwork covered the walls and glowing lamps hung from the ceiling. In the front of the cafe, sunlight penetrated deep red and orange curtains, creating a warm atmosphere unusual for a place where much of the business comes from computer and computer accessories sales.

Owner Ben Schaafsma, 29, said the store was something he'd wanted to do for a while.

"I've always dreamed about this," he said.

A friend encouraged Schaafsma to combine the cafe with a computer store. Three months ago he opened for business at Hunter Plaza, next to the new Lowe's.

Serving salads, bread bowls and soup, along with gourmet sandwiches, cookies and espresso drinks, Schaafsma said he's trying to cater to a different crowd than the other Internet cafes in town. Rather than focusing on computer games and tournaments, the store tries to appeal more to a business crowd or people who just want to hang out and talk over lunch.

"It's a quiet place where you can just sit down and have a cup of coffee," he said.

Starting in January, however, the store will rock to live music every Saturday from 7-9 p.m. The music, which features a series of live performances, is being provided through a partnership with Valley musician Josh Fryfogle, who will perform himself as well as book local musicians throughout January and February.

Internet stations line one side of the cafe and are available for $5 an hour. Wireless Internet is $4 per day but Matanuska Telephone Association DSL customers can surf the Internet for free. The store is much more than an Internet cafe, however.

Apart from the cafe and music scene, the MacStore half of the business is a certified Apple computer retail outlet, selling new Apple computer products. A new Mac Users Group will also begin soon. It will meet monthly to discuss Mac computers and new technologies. Schaafsma is currently compiling a list of people interested in the group.

In a fast-growing and rapidly changing community, Schaafsma said his store is trying to establish something new for the Valley.

"We're adding a fun place for people to meet for coffee and we're the only people offering Apple retail and service," he said. "It's a pretty huge addition."

Contact Joel Davidson at joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.