Merchant Monday

An alley isn't normally an ideal place to locate a business.

But the narrow walkway behind the Horseshoe Club connects Telegraph Square and the new Arlington Square Ice Rink. And that's where you will find the Alley Espresso Cafe, ready to serve hot drinks to downtown visitors.

"The downtown area needs something like this," said shop owner Linda Martin. "A lot of people walk and stuff, and maybe they want coffee. I think it's kind of unique."

Martin took over the space in back of the Horseshoe Club and opened for business in June. She's hoping her small clientele keeps growing.

"It's very slow, but I think that's just the economy," she said. "I don't think a lot of people know we're here yet."

As current vice president of the Carson City Downtown Consortium, Martin knows a little about surviving in business. She operated another retail business, A One Flax/Better Health to You, for six years before converting it to a mail-order operation as she started up the cafe. Some of the products she sold at her former store are now available in the cafe.

The cafe was originally started by someone else, according to Martin, before that person was forced out because of health issues. Another person took it over, but couldn't make it. That's when Martin said that Kristy Servati, marketing director for Horseshoe Club, asked her to try her hand at it. Since then, she has been a one-woman show, running the cafe by herself six days a week.

Martin serves up a variety of coffees, fixed the way you want.

"I don't have any special names for them," she said. "Just tell me what you want and I'll make it."

Besides coffee, Martin also makes smoothies, Italian sodas, teas and hot chocolate. For those wanting something to eat, Martin claims to make an awesome sub sandwich. She also serves up wraps, bagels with lox or cream cheese, baked potatoes, chili and an assortment of snacks.

The cafe is small, but its out-of-the-way location offers a quiet place to sit down and enjoy the day, with a small fireplace to give the room a cozy feel. The walls are decorated with stained glass art pieces that are for sale on consignment with the artist. Besides the small seating area inside, there is an area with tables and chairs outside for use during the warmer months.

A lot of the cafe's business is take out, which there is a shortage of in this area of downtown.

Martin has found her long hours are paid back in terms of more than just money.

"I enjoy it a lot," Martin said. "It would be a lot better if it had more business, but that takes time, and the way everything is right now it's tough for everybody. But I really enjoy it. It's fun."

Juan's Kitchen, a local's favorite formerly located next door inside Mo & Sluggo's, is scheduled to reopen inside the Horseshoe Club in February, which Martin thinks will boost business.

"I'm hoping that will draw a lot more traffic through here," she said. "We're hoping. It's been a long road."

Location: 402 N. Carson St.

In back of the Horseshoe Club, or access via the alley from Telegraph or Spear streets

Serves: Coffee, tea, smoothies, hot chocolate Sub sandwiches, wraps, baked potatoes, chili, snacks

Hours: Open Monday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Telephone: 775-315-1459