Curating Cozy

Nestled along one of Bartow’s lively streets sits a cozy brick storefront that’s hard to pass by without a second glance. Warm lights glow through the windows, the hum of conversation spills onto the sidewalk and the smell of freshly brewed coffee pulls you in before you even reach the door. This is Unfiltered Coffee House, located at 160 S Broadway Ave, a gathering place that feels stitched into the very fabric of the community.

When Unfiltered’s founder, Geanie Folder, began preparing to close the doors to spend more time with her grandchildren, she wanted to ensure the business she built would be left in the right hands. For her, loyal customer Christy Byers was the obvious choice.

“I used to come to Unfiltered to sit and work,” says Christy. “I just loved it here. At some point, I started renting a small space upstairs for my real estate team, and that’s really how it all began.”

So when she and her husband, David, were given the opportunity to purchase their favorite coffee shop, Christy jumped at the idea—though not without a little convincing. With Christy working as a realtor and David owning a home remodeling business, the timing wasn’t exactly ideal. Still, after planning and preparation, Christy and David held the keys to Unfiltered. For Christy, the timing felt serendipitous.

*From its Waffled Monte Cristo to egg salad sandwich on a flaky croissant to fresh cinnamon rolls, Unfiltered serves up plenty of worthy companions to its comprehensive drink menu.*

The moment you step through Unfiltered’s door, you’re wrapped in a sense of nostalgia. Eclectic decor and mismatched furniture fill the space, each piece so distinct that you’re bound to feel a connection to at least one. Every item has been handpicked by the couple during trips to antique shops all around Florida. Their rule of thumb? Christy puts it simply: “Just get what makes you smile and put it together and it works. I want everyone that walks through the door to feel like they’re at home somehow.”

The sense of home carries into every cup of coffee they brew. Their beans are roasted at the Apalachicola Chocolate and Coffee Company in Apalachicola, Florida—a place that holds a special spot in their family’s heart. Christy grew up spending summers there; her dad’s side of the family is from Apalachicola, and they have a second home in the area. For David and Christy, the town is woven with family memories, salty breezes and coastal charm. Every roast served at Unfiltered Coffee House feels like a sip of those roots. It’s a town so dear to them that Christy can’t help but dream of one day opening an Unfiltered tucked somewhere along its shoreline.

Unfiltered Coffee House offers a playful and inventive menu that keeps customers coming back for more. Their seasonal flight selections are a must-try, featuring whimsical creations like a maple bacon donut latte and butterscotch caramel cupcake matcha or even mystically delicious limited-edition Harry Potter creations earlier this year. For something fizzy and indulgent, their specialty dirty sodas are a unique treat. Beyond drinks, their menu includes satisfying bites such as a creamy egg salad sandwich on a buttery croissant, or a savory hot Monte Cristo sandwich. For those with a sweet tooth, their gooey cinnamon roll pairs perfectly with any beverage. Each item reflects the same creativity and warmth that define the cafe itself.

Tucked upstairs is Inklings Book Shoppe, a cozy nook where you can sip your coffee while browsing new and used books. If you’re lucky, you might come across a novel penned by a Florida native or even an Unfiltered barista. Soon after Christy and David began their new chapter as owners, Unfiltered and Inklings joined together and began a partnership that blended the worlds of coffee and storytelling in a way that felt like a natural extension of the space. Already, the collaboration has sparked creative energy throughout the café, most notably with their Onyx Storm release party, complete with a themed scavenger hunt, specialty drinks and book-inspired fun that brought readers and coffee lovers together.

Local coffee shops come to life when the people running them pour pieces of themselves into the space, and Unfiltered Coffee House is a perfect example. Christy and David have woven their family memories, passions and creativity into every detail, from the welcoming atmosphere and themed events that bring people together, to the personal touches like customers leaving their own mugs on the shelf for future visits.

They’ve also made Unfiltered distinctly their own. Since taking over, they’ve expanded the menu, introduced coffee flights for those who love to taste and explore, and partnered with Lakeland’s Uncle Nick’s to offer a selection of baked goods that pair perfectly with a morning latte. The result is more than a coffee shop; it’s a reflection of Bartow’s spirit and a place that adds to the town’s cultural identity.

“I want everyone that walks through the door to feel like they’re at home somehow.”

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