Story & Photos by LaVerne Stevens
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Alcoma Arcade, built in 1924 in downtown Lake Wales is being renovated. Businesses are moving into the updated facility. Arcade Coffee & Sandwich Shoppe opened in September, 2005 by Lake Wales’ residents, Curt and Terry Koch is among them.

“We pride ourselves in cleanliness,” said Curt, as he prepared a salad. Cleanliness was evident. The original tile floors had been spotlessly polished. Stainless steel sinks sparkled. The food preparation area was uncluttered and clean.

As one enters Arcade Coffee & Sandwich Shoppe, items are freshly displayed. A showcase of bakery items available is displayed. Muffins, Danish and Bagels are offered. They are big in size and Danish are amply filled with various toppings. A beverage cooler offers a variety of Coca Cola products, Minute Maid orange juice, and bottled water. Colorful candy vending machines set in front of the cash register. Other items available are chips, crackers, peanuts and cookies. Many kinds of coffee, which are available in regular or decaf, and specialty teas are served. Under a glass cover is a chocolate cake that would make a great accompaniment to the assorted coffees offered. All natural smoothies are available in various flavors.

These items accompany the fresh salads and sandwiches that serve as the main course for lunch. Terry and Curt arrive at 5:30 each morning to prepare five different types of salads and get things ready for lunch. Only Boar’s Head meats are used in sandwiches. This assortment of deli meats contains no artificial colors, by-products, cereals or fillers. Five choices of sandwiches are on the menu. Each comes with potato chips, a pickle and choice of bread.

A personal touch Terry and Curt add to their service is a hit with customers. “Everybody who gets something to eat here gets a Hershey Kiss,” says Curt. When one opens the to-go box, one will see “Thank you, Curt & Terry” along with a smiley-face written inside the lid. “Our to-go boxes have actually brought customers in,” said Curt, “Word gets around and our customers look for that smileyface.”

A regular clientele comes to the arcade shop. A man walked in and Terry asked, “Do you want your regular lunch?” She knew just what his order would be and proceeded to get it started.

The shop décor reflects a love of primitive camping Curt and Terry enjoyed while living in upstate New York. A canoe, handmade of Cedar and Mahogany by Native American, Martin Two-feathers, adorns the wall. Oars, hand-painted with designs of wild ducks and lake scenes accompany it. An assortment of fishing lures adds color. Camping lanterns; figurines of moose, bear, raccoon; fishing rods and a guitar complete the picture.

The Arcade Coffee & Sandwich Shoppe is a take-out facility, although they do have seating in the Arcade breezeway. Tables and chairs are black wrought iron. Hanging baskets adorn the area. This will be a charming setting for lunch when arcade repairs are finished. At this time one hears the buzzing of saws and pounding of hammers in the background. Progress necessitates this inconvenience, so we must have patience, as it is not permanent. Party platters are also available upon special order.

I chose the Arcade Salad, which is chicken walnut salad on a bed of assorted greens, adorned with various fruits and craisens. The greens were extremely fresh as were the six different kinds of fruits around the delicious chicken salad. A half BLT on sourdough bread made a good accompaniment. Bacon was done just right. The cheese Danish came on a plate dusted with powder sugar, accented with fresh strawberries. I had regular decaf coffee with my lunch and Irish Chocolate decaf with my dessert. Both were good with a rich flavor. The presentation of food was professional and artistic. Freshness and healthy food are priorities here. Prices are moderate.

Arcade Coffee & Sandwich Shoppe is located at 229 E. Stuart Ave. and can be reached by email at arcadecoffee@hotmail.com or by phone at (863) 676-8510. They do accept Mastercard, Visa Credit or Debit. Store hours are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., (the kitchen closes at 3:30). During the summer they are closed Saturday and Sunday.