West Duluth welcomed another neighborhood coffee shop on Jan. 4. Grand World Coffee opened in the former Subway sandwich shop space at 4918 Grand Ave., next to Vision-Pro Optical.

The new shop offers espresso drinks like fudge brownie mochas and cinnamon dolce lattés, but also has regular joe for those who prefer coffee without the frills. The menu includes soup and sandwiches as well as daily-made house pastries like caramel rolls. Also offered are 16 flavors of ice cream, everything from maple nut to cookie monster.

The yellow Subway awning remains on the exterior of the building, but the inside has been furnished with modern accents, a gas fireplace and a variety of seating options, from regular tables to high tops and leather couches.

Owners Linda and Gary Towne are also proprietors of the Vision-Pro next door. Linda says the coffee shop has been a bit of a learning curve, noting they’ve had requests for “dry” espresso drinks or for milk steamed to only 110 degrees.

“We really have a lot of experienced coffee aficionados in the area,” she says. “We’re learning from them.”

Grand World is one of three coffee shops within a half mile of the intersection of Grand and Central avenues. Beaner’s Central opened in 1999 and RJ’s Coffee Den opened in 2013.

Linda says people working at businesses in the area have been excited to see the new shop open and to have another lunch option. She’s already increased the number of sandwiches and cookies made each day. Sandwiches can be made-to-order or are available to grab and go. Half sandwich options include chips, coffee or a side salad.

“It’s been a nice brisk start, I’ll say that,” she says.