Didn’t make plans to jet-set to France this summer? No worries. You can indulge in pastries, coffees, and more at Le Rêve, a new French-inspired café located in the former Southfin Southern Poké.
Le Rêve opened its doors today, April 20, in the Southdowns Village shopping center. Owner Brad Mire indicates that a grand opening celebration will follow soon as everything gets fully operational. The menu features an array of coffee drinks, non-coffee beverages, biscuits, sandwiches, and delightful pastries. Coffee aficionados will be pleased to know that the beverages use beans roasted by Lafayette’s Rêve Coffee Roasters, the same esteemed brand behind Rêve Coffee Lab in The Village at Willow Grove. The shop will also make the most of its drive-thru window for convenient pre-orders.
Mire, who previously owned Southfin, has long desired to launch a café like Le Rêve after experiencing the roasting brand’s exceptional coffee.
“The opportunity to sell Rêve coffee beans and be part of their dynamic is really what we were looking for,” he explains. “It felt like a natural fit. We believe Rêve coffee is the best around.”
The menu includes classic coffee selections such as cortados, cappuccinos, cold brews, and Americanos, along with specialty lattes and frappes. Unique options like the Le Dore frappe featuring vanilla and caramel, and the Honey Mocha latte made with espresso, oat milk, honey, and mocha, highlight the creativity of the offerings. Various flavored syrups like toffee nut, Irish cream, and pistachio are available for those looking to customize their drinks.
In addition to beverages, Le Rêve also serves a variety of food options. Expect to find breakfast biscuit sandwiches like the Pepper Jelly Sausage Biscuit and lunch offerings such as the Chicken & Avocado Sandwich. The pastry case boasts an assortment of house-baked treats including cinnamon rolls, cookies, croissants, and danishes. Mire emphasizes simplicity in the menu, noting that his personal favorite item is the Ham & Pepper Jelly Grilled Cheese.
“[The menu is] essentially geared towards the French bakery-style of a pastry and coffee shop that we aim to create—offering a strong pastry selection while providing a couple of sandwiches and grab-and-go options,” he explains.
Customers can place their orders at the front counter, which also features barstools for additional seating. The café is adorned with Le Rêve’s distinctive mint green color accented by red and greenery. The walls in the primary seating area showcase doodle-style art illustrating a vibrant city scene. Mire and his team collaborated with Rachel Carter to develop the “French pastry bakery style” design and branding.
The exterior is highlighted by murals from local artist Kristen Serio. Two murals, created by Serio and Carter, elegantly display the café’s name alongside coffee beans, while another features the tagline, “Dream of better coffee.”
Le Rêve will feature a “digital” drive-thru, enabling customers to conveniently pick up their online pre-orders.
“[The drive-thru] is our primary focus,” Mire mentions. “The drive-thru doesn’t accommodate long queues, and we didn’t utilize that with Southfin either. Our approach is to offer a digital drive-thru—order ahead, and we’ll have your items ready at the window.”
Mire envisions that this café will introduce something fresh to the community, serving as a casual spot where locals can gather, work, or simply enjoy a coffee and a snack.
“The essence of a genuine French coffee shop is to offer a space for socializing and mingling, and this location perfectly supports that,” he adds. “We aim to create an environment where people feel welcome to stay and engage, whether it’s sharing a conversation, studying, or tackling work. This is the atmosphere we aspire to provide. It’s a fantastic location on Perkins, and that’s our goal.”
Le Rêve operates Monday to Saturday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. It can be found at 4321 Perkins Rd.
Key Takeaways
- Le Rêve is a new French-inspired café located in Southdowns Village.
- The menu includes a variety of specialty coffee drinks and house-baked pastries.
- Owner Brad Mire aims to create a cozy space for community gatherings.
- The café features unique decor and artwork by local artists.
- A digital drive-thru option will be available for quick pick-up of pre-orders.
FAQ
What are the operating hours of Le Rêve?
Le Rêve is open Monday to Saturday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
What type of coffee does Le Rêve serve?
The café serves a range of coffee drinks using beans roasted by Rêve Coffee Roasters.
Is there a drive-thru at Le Rêve?
Yes, Le Rêve offers a digital drive-thru for pre-orders.
What food options are available at Le Rêve?
The menu features breakfast biscuit sandwiches, lunch sandwiches, and a variety of pastries.
Where is Le Rêve located?
Le Rêve is located at 4321 Perkins Rd.
