It’s known as the B&C, but the shop’s real name is the Black Hawk Bean & Cream, which reflects the original idea John Burtschi had as he waited “for many years” (he said) for the chance to open this much enhanced coffee shop.
He was inspired to open the shop after seeing “a need in our community for ice cream and (not casino) food.” Consequently, he, along with his manager and friend, David Besser, and the other 10 employees, find that meeting the community is their favorite part of working at the B&C. They see themselves as exemplifying “quality, service, fresh made [food] while you wait.” Among them, they have “decades of restaurant and service industry experience.” All staff are local and family.
Located in the Post Office complex on Clear Creek Street (Highway 119) in Black Hawk, the B&C features coffee, handmade small-batch ice cream (the B and the C of the name), as well as “real, fresh bread sandwiches,” according to Burtschi. These include made-to-order deli sandwiches, “just the way you love it! We offer all kinds of toppings to go with your ham, turkey, roast beef, pastrami, or pepperoni sandwich.” Gluten-free bread is also available.
But the B&C doesn’t stop there: you can get a breakfast burrito or quesadilla, a veggie wrap, fresh Danish, cinnamon rolls, bear claws, and more. “A delicious way to start the day,” as Burtschi adds.
And, of course, coffee. The shop features a full espresso bar, as well as other hot drinks: “delicious organic coffee, premium tea, custom chai, and more… made just the way you love it! And we’re keeping the tradition alive: the Mountain Mocha! Made famous right here in Black Hawk!”
The ice cream part of the business includes the usual scoops, shakes, cones, and floats, plus affogato, an Italian treat of ice cream with a shot of espresso. The menu boasts that all these treats are made from “Lik’s ice cream! It’s made in small batches for absolute freshness, and has NO preservatives or icky additives. So Creamy. So YUM!”
The B&C is open seven days a week, from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m (7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday). Takeout, curbside pickup, and to-go orders are still accepted. The menu is far more detailed than can be shown here, and it is obvious from lingering over it that it’s very difficult to leave the B&C still hungry.
The Black Hawk Bean & Cream is located at 135 Clear Creek Street, Black Hawk. You can find them (and their full menu) online at http://www.Thebandc.Com, or reach them by email at Americanpride123@aol.com or by phone at 303-582-0306.
