VenturaCountyStar:
After owning and operating DJ’s California Catering in Camarillo for the past 17 years, Doug and Jennifer Biggs have launched an additional venture.
The couple have opened a full-service coffee shop within the new Camarillo Library. The idea to establish such a business at the library was initially expressed by Camarillo Councilman Mike Morgan, who reasoned it would complement other services rendered for patrons of the library, Doug Biggs said. Eight “requests for proposals” were sent to appropriate operators. Two serious responses were received, and the Biggses’ was selected.
The 534-square-foot shop, named Rare Blends Café, opened Dec. 1. A grand opening event took place Dec. 11. It was attended by about 75 city officials and local residents.
The shop offers fresh coffees, teas, cappuccinos, sandwiches, salads, soups, pastries, desserts and other goodies. Biggs takes pride in offering not only the most popular varieties of beverages, but unusual blends as well, thus the business name, Rare Blends.
Biggs agreed to a revenue-sharing arrangement with the city of Camarillo. It includes the right of DJ’s Catering to exclusively provide catering service for events at the library. Biggs pays $500 per month for rent and 5 percent of gross revenue from the café operation, and 10 percent of gross revenue from catering services for library events.
The five-employee coffee shop comfortably seats 20 patrons and can seat others on an adjacent outdoor patio. Access is separate from the main entrance into the library. “The café will definitely complement the varied services we provide for our library patrons,” said Sandi Banks, manager of the library
The Biggses live in Thousand Oaks with their two children – a girl, 5, and a boy, 9.