Downtown's PublicUS to Import a World Class Barista

It's been over a year since Eater Vegas revealed the former Philly Steak Express in Downtown's "East Village" would be transformed into PublicUS, a "social interaction" focused, three meal restaurant. While the locals friendly spot promised to feature a "fresh American" menu and a full roster of bottled craft beers, owner Nicholas Akiona is now making good on his self-described "coffeehouse junkie" status.

Seattle barista Cole McBride has signed on as "Director of Coffee & Hospitality." McBride recently placed fourth in the 2014 United States Barista Championships. He has a close ties to Velton's Coffee, a small-batch coffee roasting company based in Everett, Washington.

New signage and progress on the interior construction hints that PublicUS could finally be completed with the next two months. Original proposals released in December 2012 called for the 3,600-square-foot restaurant to also include outdoor seating facing the under construction Ferguson's Motel retail and dining project. Hours once proposed were 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. providing full-service breakfast, lunch and dinner and a kitchen working with local and regional suppliers for their dishes.
· All Coverage of PublicUS [~ELV~]