Bean Baskette atop menu for library cafe

Bean Baskette Coffee might soon expand its business to the Columbia County Library.

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Columbia County commissioners on Tuesday likely will approve a contract with the Evans restaurant to operate Foot Notes Cafe in the library's lobby.

Bean Baskette was one of three restaurants to express an interest in operating the cafe, along with The Garlic Clove and Sunrise Grille, according to county Community and Leisure Services Director Barry Smith.

Sunrise Grille was disqualified for missing an application deadline, and The Garlic Clove didn't offer as much in rent, Smith told commissioners during a Tuesday committee meeting.

Bean Baskette offered to pay the county $700 and 5 percent of its gross profits per month for the first six months, and then raise those figures to $750 and 6 percent of gross profits.

A committee formed to examine the contending restaurants also noted that Bean Baskette offers a more "kid-friendly" menu, Smith said.

"I feel they want to commit to make a go of it," he said.

Smith noted for commissioners that Bean Baskette owner David Baskette is married to library Manager Mary Lin Maner.

However, Smith said, Maner has no authority over the library cafe, which is overseen by county Rental Facilities Manager Sandy Boner.

County Attorney Doug Batchelor deemed there was no conflict of interest, Smith told the committee.

As operator of Foot Notes Cafe, Bean Baskette also is allowed to run a concession stand near the library playgrounds and is given first right of refusal to cater events at Jabez Sanford Hardin Performing Arts Center and Columbia County Amphitheater with the exception of Blues, Brews and BBQ, and Columbus Day events.

Former Foot Notes operators Kaffe Klatch Inc. agreed in February to an early termination of its contract. The company was several months behind on rent.