A pilot and a nurse founded Aviary Cafe and Creperie in hopes to bring the refined, fresh tastes of abroad to Springfield.
Mark and Deb Burgess, the owners of Aviary, first opened their downtown location (400 E. Walnut St.) in 2010. Since then, they have expanded to Farmer’s Park on the south side of town (2144 E. Republic Road). Overall, the endeavor is successful. The downtown location received a TripAdvisor 2014 certificate of excellence, and on a busy weekend, the establishment brings in more than 2,000 customers.
More than food
According to Deb Burgess, Aviary is about the experience. “It was important to my husband, Mark, and I that Aviary be about a lot more than food,” she says. Burgess describes the style of the cafe as “indie,” and this is what they believe gives it an edge against larger chains. The owners pay a lot of attention to detail, like the music, art, and the menu to make Aviary stand out.
Interaction between the customers and Burgess is also important. Customers can leave “love notes,” or comments, at the downtown location and can write on the chalkboard at the Farmer’s Park location.
Beyond the atmosphere, the menu itself is integral to Aviary. For instance, the menu changes with the seasons. Burgess highlights the S’mores Board (only available on the new winter menu). It’s a jar of chocolate mousse served with homemade graham crackers, marshmallow fluff, smoked salt, and a smoldering oak leaf. She says: “The little waft of smoke is evocative of campfire. It’s those touches that we strive to bring to our customers’ experience.”
But Burgess’ favorite menu items are the Pomme Frites and Salted Caramel Crepe. The Pomme Frites are on the dinner menu, and include truffle oil and kosher salt. The Salted Caramel Crepe is made with Aviary’s homemade caramel, Halen Moon sea salt, and whipped cream (and ice cream for an extra $2). They are some of Aviary’s least expensive items and are still available on the winter menu.
Customers also have their favorite Aviary treats:
Chocolate croissant, French roast coffee, AND a macaroon before noon? Life’s short, don’t waste time/calories on mediocre food. @aviarycafe
— Brittany Johnson (@britt_johnson26) April 26, 2014
Had an amazing brunch today at @aviarycafe‘s new south side location in #sgf. Amazing patisserie, too! pic.twitter.com/GypQpIZWWe
— Bradley Haller (@haller4me) March 10, 2014
A college perspective
It isn’t only the owners who take pride in the establishment. Emily Brooks, a server at Aviary’s downtown location, says: “I’m proud of the food I serve. … I get to work with real chefs and people that have gone to culinary school.”
As a college student, Brooks appreciates Aviary’s distinctive atmosphere. Many students in the area flock to local coffee shops such as Mudhouse, Big Momma’s and Potter’s House to do homework, but Brooks believes that the Aviary could be better suited for studying. She does witness those who bring in laptops and a book on occasion.
“Our coffee is really good — it’s Italian,” she says. “[Aviary] is also quieter than Mudhouse.”
Ultimately, coffee shops and cafés are clean and relatively distraction-free, and this is key to a good study environment.
But Brooks also sees the appeal of other types of establishments. She notes that the price of high-quality drinks and food can be a deterrent for college students. Still, many students come, but later in the day. Aviary has three meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. An older crowd usually comes in the morning, while college students and professionals come later on.
Brooks as noticed that Aviary also attracts international students. Many have traveled abroad in Europe previously and have been exposed to the dishes served at the café. “They enjoy the crepes, but they think they taste a lot different than the ones in France,” she says.
To get more of an idea of what Aviary has to offer, check out this video:
