Evelyn Bay Coffee enters new chapter of family business

Erica Limas had been groomed for this moment for nearly 20 years. Working alongside one’s mom for that long presents its share of challenges. However, she learned a great deal from Fay Binkowski and they both knew the time had come.
Limas became the official owner of Evelyn Bay Coffee in downtown Charlotte on Feb. 1, taking the reigns from Fay, who had owned the coffee shop for nearly eight years.
“This has always been the plan,” Limas said, “for me to step into her shoes.”
Limas first started working for her mother at Fay’s Gourmet Pizza nearly 20 years ago. Each time Fay and her husband, Chet transitioned their business in town, Erica went along for the ride, soaking in the knowledge of what it takes to be a successful business owner.
“Believe it or not, it was great,” she said. “I learned a lot from her … how to be a good businesswoman. I want to be a positive role model for my kids like she always was for me.”
Limas hasn’t made any changes to Fay’s since taking over a month ago and she said she doesn’t plan to do anything that would take away from the community atmosphere Fay and Chet created at the coffee shop. She does, however, intend to add her own small touches here and there.
She said Fay’s will offer a few signature paninis and new desserts in the near future. She said she also intends to offer pour over coffee brewing, where customers can brew their own coffee right at their table, as well as French press.
“I love making coffee and I love the people here, making them smile,” Limas said. “I really do care about our customers and love watching their kids grow.”
Aside from the minor additions, Limas said Fay’s Evelyn Bay will remain a local, family-owned business. Her son, Marquise already works behind the counter regularly and her daughter, Myia will join the business during spring break. Her oldest son, Isaac, worked at Fay’s Evelyn Bay before entering the United States Marine Corps last summer.
Fay’s Evelyn Bay, located at 134 S. Cochran Avenue, is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.FaysEvelynBay.com or find Fay’s Evelyn Bay on Facebook.