So what’s a RKTO?
You can tell that Malorie, a popular local barista in Santa Rosa, is tired of explaining what RKTO means. Standing behind the counter of the RKTO coffee/kombucha/tea bar that’s popped-up inside the downtown Santa Rosa Trek store, she graciously gives it a shot, then turns it over to shop president, Bret Gave. Apparently it means “great Northern bear”, as in the Bear Republic. As in California, he explains.
Gave has hit on a trend that’s popular in Europe, and making its way into hip retailers across the U.S. — putting a food and drink spot inside a retail store — in his case a high end bicycles. “We’re creating a community space,” said Gave, who hopes to expand the coffee bar area to include beer, an outdoor space and eventually some sandwiches, as well as a meet-up spot for bicyclists heading out on rides.
Frankly, we’re more than happy with the current local lineup of BiteClub fave, Bella Rosa coffee, Straus milk, Republic of Tea, Red Bird Bakery goodies, Revive Kombucha (on tap) and Guayaki yerba mate. Well, that and Malorie. Ten percent of the proceeds from the bar will benefit local cycling advocacy groups.
And as for the name? How about Really Killer Trek Osteria? Add your suggestion online at BiteClubEats.com. We’ll pass ‘em along to the baristas. 512 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa (inside the Trek Store), open weekdays from 7am to 2pm.