I am a coffee drinker through-and-through. For those of us who love coffee, there is a debate that rages among the ranks, and I think it is very similar to the mayonnaise or Miracle Whip debate in that you are firmly planted in one of the coffee "flavor" camps.
      However, if you aren't quite sure yet, or just want to augment your coffee flavor repertoire, there is another option in town to help you make your decision - Ellianos, which opened this past November.
      Owners Tim and Summer Bishop moved to Statesboro to be near family, and to build and start a business of their own. Summer Bishop is a graduate of Statesboro High School, and her husband is a Michigan native. They met while attending Valdosta State University.
      "We have lived in Valdosta all of these years," she said. "My husband worked with FedEx, and I was a teacher. We just wanted to have a business of our own, and my stepfather has the franchise rights for Georgia and Alabama."
Bishop said there are several Ellianos open in Valdosta, and that is where she became familiar with the product.
      "I would get coffee there all of the time, and I thought it was awesome," she said. "So when this opportunity presented itself, Tim and I felt the time was right to make a change. We have purchased a home on College Boulevard, and are close to the store which is good since we are there a good bit of the time."
      Located on Brannen Street in front of the former Winn Dixie and next to Jiffy Lube and Moes, Ellianos has two drive thru windows for speedy service, and you don't order through a speaker. You just pull up to the window and tell them what you want.
      "We serve person-to-person," Bishop said. "That way our baristas get to know their customers, and build up a rapport. It is a more personal way to do service, and become connected to the community."
      Bishop said the coffee is a very smooth blend which most people really seem to enjoy. "Besides coffee, we have smoothies, hot and cold tea, as well as pastries. It is all so good, and I want to encourage people to come by and give us a try. We are open seven days a week, and at 6:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday."

       A quick aside. Last week I wrote a column about the new 40 East Grill under construction on East Main. I mentioned one of the owners as Heath Seymour (former head of the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority). I should have written Heath Robinson. My sincerest apologies to Robinson. I have known him since he moved here several years ago, and I am sure he will do a great job with the new restaurant.

      So, until next Tuesday, I bid you au revoir.

      Got a scoop for Jan? Call her at (912) 489-9463 or email her at jmoore@statesboroherald.com