Even as COVID-19 squeezes small businesses, regulars at Continuum Coffee know they can count on Bob Smith for good coffee and, if they’re lucky, a song

Bob Smith, owner of Continuum Coffee, makes a latte Tuesday, January 26, 2021. Photo by Kelly Ragan.

By Kelly Ragan

Every now and then, Bob Smith would  try a cup of coffee, only to cringe at the taste. But his wife, Pam, and his three daughters loved to hang out at coffee shops, so he found himself around the stuff often. 

One day, deciding he needed something a little stronger than his usual cup of hot chocolate, Bob ordered a mocha. When he tasted it, a lightbulb went off. Yum.

“I realized I’d just been drinking bad coffee,” Bob said.  

For years after that, Bob and his family talked a lot about how fun it would be to start their own coffee shop. Bob and Pam, both teachers, figured it would be a nice retirement plan. 

It wasn’t until Ashely, one of his daughters, got sick that they took the idea seriously. 

Ashley had been suffering from Hodgkins lymphoma since 2010. When her condition took a turn for the worse, Bob and Pam moved from Salida to Greeley to help her. 

As they drove around town, Bob would point out places he thought might make for a good coffee shop. 

“Finally, Ashley said, ‘Dad, you’ve been talking about this for forever. Just do it,’” Bob said. 

Ashely offered to help with the bookkeeping and the ordering, even before they found a place. It helped take her mind off things, Bob said. 

Ashley died in 2016. A year later, the Smiths opened Continuum Coffee, 6560 W 29th St. in St. Michael’s Town Square. 

Though Ashley never got to see it, Bob said there’s a little bit of her in the shop. Sharp-eyed coffee drinkers might spot a couple owls – Ashely’s favorite – around the shop.

Bob Smith, owner of Continuum Coffee, grinds fresh coffee beans Tuesday, January 26, 2021. Photo by Kelly Ragan.

Now about three and a half years into the business, Bob said he still loves the work. 

“I like making people good coffee,” Bob said. “I like seeing people and knowing what their life adventures are.” 

On Tuesday, people trickled into the shop wearing masks, bundled in heavy coats and scarves to fend off the cold. Bob greeted everyone who came in like they were old friends – even if it was their first time. 

He sang on and off as he pulled shots of espresso and steamed milk for a cappuccino.

When one customer said it was his first time at Continuum, Bob immediately introduced himself. 

“I’m Bob! Unless you spell it backwards, then it’s…no, still Bob.” 

It wasn’t the first time regulars heard the joke, but they saluted it with a quiet chuckle. 

As with many local businesses, COVID-19 has been a challenge, even as coffee shops and restaurants have started to open back up. 

“It’s still slow. It’s picked up a little bit, but we’re not where we were before,” Bob said. “But we’ve been able to stay open except for three weeks in November.” 

Bob Smith, owner of Continuum Coffee, works to make a latte. He’s known to break into song every now and then. Photo by Kelly Ragan.

In November, Pam got COVID-19 through her work in District 6. Then Bob got it. He nearly had to go on a ventilator. Naturally, they closed the shop while they were sick.. 

There’s no doubt it’s been a hard year. If not for a long career as an educator with PERA to fall back on, Bob said he’s not sure the coffee shop would last. But he plans to keep moving forward. 

Bob said he can’t wait for the days when Bridge groups and book clubs can come back in full force. The community aspect, after all, is one of his favorite parts about the job. 

“Most of the people in here are regulars and I know their stories,” Bob said. “It’s fun. When it stops being fun, I’ll be done. But I’m not there yet.”