Coffee enthusiast Rachel Zhang always dreamed of opening a coffee shop but believed she would wait until retirement to pursue her passion project—until she visited St. Pete. The city’s vibrant coffee scene inspired her to take the leap, and now St. Pete welcomes its newest addition: Daycation. Located at 189 Dr. M.L.K. Jr. St. N., Daycation is currently in its soft opening phase, serving guests from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“I love how vibrant and chill St. Pete is,” Zhang shares, “and I think my shop’s vibe matches it very well.”

In addition to classic coffee styles, Daycation features signature beverages inspired by East Asian culture, unique flavors, and most notably, personal stories. “Each of the Daycation Signature drinks has its own story, which I’m excited to share soon on our Instagram account,” Zhang adds.

While the official backstories are still in the works for Instagram, Zhang reveals that the Daycation Blend is the result of an exclusive partnership with Torch Coffee. This blend incorporates beans sourced from Yunnan Province, China, a region known for its stunning landscapes and lesser-known coffee production. By blending these beans with those from Guatemala, Daycation offers a floral, fruity, medium roast that appeals to local coffee enthusiasts.

“coffee is more than just a caffeine boost”

Despite its modest size of 500 square feet, Daycation delivers big, bold, and memorable flavors and fragrances. This cozy spot proves that a small space can still leave a lasting impression. “I have always believed that coffee is more than just a caffeine boost—it’s an experience that customers can feel right away, from how the drinks are presented to the moment they take the first sip,” Zhang explains.

This commitment to consumer experience, detail, and presentation shines in drinks like the Morning Forest. As one of Daycation’s signature offerings, the Morning Forest combines a matcha latte with jasmine syrup, a single shot of espresso, and a topping of dried jasmine buds. “I want this drink to evoke the feeling of outdoor forest experiences, surrounded by tranquility, fresh air, and pleasant scents,” Zhang shares.

Notably, Daycation’s syrups aren’t store-bought; they are made in-house, ensuring a unique touch in every cup. Additionally, the ingredients come from premium sources. The matcha used in the Morning Forest is imported from Kyoto, Japan, while the tea is supplied by a Los Angeles-based importer who sources it from the owner’s family farm in China.

For each drink, a unique story

With so many premium imports and unique flavor profiles, Zhang’s claim that each drink has its own story makes perfect sense. Like any good story, it’s best experienced firsthand. This is why Zhang is holding off on publishing Daycation’s full menu online—she wants to maintain a sense of “exploration and curiosity.” To truly discover the story behind each drink, you’ll have to visit in person.

“I love that the St. Pete coffee scene is thriving, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share new experiences and cultures with our amazing community,” Zhang says

Follow Daycation on Instagram.