An early coffee shop in Asheville?
A century ago, there were no coffee shops in Asheville, or at least none as we know them today. The Crystal Dairy Lunch did, however, advertise that coffee was a specialty, and what appear to be two large urns are visible behind the counter, though the chairs look more like student desks than seats for a business e.
![](images/crystal_coffee.jpg)
![Old Post Office in what is now Pritchard Park](images/post_office.jpg)
The S & W cafeteria building now stands at the Crystal's address of 56 Patton Avenue. "Opposite P.O." refers to the old post office building that stood in what is now Pritchard Park. (In the B&W photo, the S & W is just below the building with the large Wachovia sign.)
Next: More coffee roasters in Asheville, or why there's nothing new under the sun.