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Heart, skull and compass cafe emblemEx Marks the Spot Cafe
Cafe interior concept: customers sharing coffee among walnut, plants and Edison lights, with a small pirate treasure chest and skull-and-crossbones pennant

Syracuse, New York · Taking shape

Skip the app.
Keep the
coffee date.

If you’re going to meet for coffee anyway,
why not start at the coffee shop?

Good coffee. Real conversation.
A little chemistry.

The feeling we’re creating
Interior concept
Cafe drinkware concept in warm window light: a latte and pale blue Plenty of Fish in the Tea with edible boba, gummy fish and an anchor stirrer, a small brass compass, pirate doubloons, and a softly blurred ship lantern behind
A latte. Plenty of Fish in the Tea.
A million possibilities.

Less scrolling. More showing up.

Meet the way
we used to.

Eye contact. A little nervous laughter.
A conversation that isn’t a notification.

Endless swiping. Ghosting. Catfishing. Another conversation that goes nowhere. It’s exhausting.

Ex Marks the Spot is being built for people who want to meet people in real life. A destination for good coffee, a comfortable seat, and the chance to find someone you click with.

You can’t swipe your way into the feeling of being in the same room. So come for a cup. Make a little time. See who you meet.

See how Spot Light fits in
“Is this seat taken?”Still a pretty good opening line.

Fresh starts. Good company.

However you got here,
there’s a seat for you.

Cafe atmosphere concept: two friends sharing a laugh at the coffee bar, with a miniature pirate treasure chest and a brass compass beside their cups

Single, newly single, divorced, or still figuring out what comes next—you’re welcome here. Come on your own, bring a friend, or simply settle in with a coffee.

We know a little laughter can take the edge off a rough chapter. So the cafe has a sense of humor about itself—and the relationship misadventures plenty of us have lived through.

A little wink on the menu

Karma BitesGaslighting Flight

We take the coffee seriously. Ourselves? A little less.

The Smoothie Bar · Taking shape

A fresh start,
by the glass.

Smoothie concept: berry and green blends with a little pirate-skull pick, a miniature treasure chest, fresh fruit and an anchor stirrer

A better start. A healthier future.

Smoothies are part of the bigger idea behind the cafe: making room for healthier habits, good company, and a future you feel good about.

Our planned smoothie bar gives you another reason to make this your Spot. Come for a blend, take a little time for yourself, and find some forward momentum—however your next chapter begins.

Our smoothie menu is taking shape alongside the cafe.

Explore coffee, smoothies & more
Collection concept: charcoal cafe apparel, an embroidered cap and basic gray sweatpants with the red X, heart, skull and compass emblem on the leg

The cafe collection · Taking shape

A little of the Spot.
Wherever you go.

Our heart, skull and compass, out in the world. We’re bringing the cafe’s artwork to shirts, hoodies, caps and stickers.

The collection is in the works. Designs, sizes and prices will appear as they’re finalized.

Explore the cafe collection
Spot Light@ Ex Marks the Spot Cafe

A little help getting there

Know who’s coming.
Meet when you get here.

Spot Light helps you see who’s at the cafe or planning to be there. Share a visit if you like, notice a familiar face, and let the first conversation happen in person.

No inbox. No match required.
Just a reason to show up and say hello.

Cafe connection concept: two adults enjoying their first conversation over coffee, with a phone put away, a tiny treasure chest on the table and a discreet pirate pennant
01

Be someone’s familiar face.

Choose a username and password, then add your first name and an optional photo.

02

Make a little time.

Plan a date, time and cafe area. Sharing your visit is always your choice.

03

Show up. Say hello.

Browse who’s coming, or just walk in. The connection happens at the cafe.

One membership for your visits, cafe points and rewards. You can make your profile now, before opening day.

For the little adventurers, too

Little Beans.
Big personalities.

Little Beans concept: children making crafts, nearby parents getting to know one another, a large screen and small pirate treasures

There’s room for the rest of your crew.

Little Beans is our planned space for children and families, with its own drinks, snacks and activities—and room for a big screen when it’s time to settle in together.

While they play, say hello.

With the kids busy at nearby activity tables, parents can share a coffee and get to know another parent. A little conversation might become a friendship—or a reason to come back for a coffee date of your own.

We’re planning private family rewards managed by a parent or guardian. Children’s memberships aren’t open yet, and family rewards will be separate from the adult Spot Light gallery.

Explore Little Beans

Big screen. Good memories.

Family time,
on common ground.

Some evenings are simply about being together: a film, something warm to drink, and a good memory for the kids.

For parents who live apart, we hope this can be comfortable common ground. A couple of hours to put differences aside, enjoy a movie with your child, and let them see you working together.

One Christmas idea we’d love to bring to life is a family showing of The Polar Express.

Movie nights, titles and dates will be announced once arrangements are confirmed.

Family movie-night concept: parents and children enjoying a winter train story on a big screen in Little Beans, with warm holiday lights and playful pirate decor

Outside · Part of the plan

A little fresh air.
A little good company.

The same warm welcome,
under the lights.

Seasonal outdoor cafe concept: people gathering beneath Edison lights and a temporary pergola, with planters, removable fencing, a patio heater, an acoustic guitarist and subtle pirate details

We’re hoping to bring a little of the cafe outdoors in downtown Syracuse. That might be a seasonal sidewalk pop-up with a temporary pergola and removable fencing, a small patio, or a pop-up space beside the building.

A few tables, soft Edison lights, greenery, and a reason to linger. Patio heaters or a chiminea could add warmth on cooler evenings, where the eventual setting allows.

And perhaps some nights, an acoustic guitarist or a busker in the background. Coffee, conversation, and a little live music to keep you out a little longer.

We’re still choosing the building. Outdoor seating, music and warming options will depend on the space; this image shows the feeling we’re working toward.

Planned themed nights & gatherings

Find your people.
Make a little time.

Shared interests. Honest conversations. A reason to get out of the house and feel part of something.

Talk It Out Tuesdays

Everyone needs somewhere they can feel welcome, be heard, and talk through what life has put in front of them. Creating that kind of place is a big part of what Ex Marks the Spot is about.

With Talk It Out Tuesdays, we’re planning free, private 20–30 minute conversations with local licensed counselors. Whether you’re navigating a breakup, divorce, co-parenting, or a difficult chapter, it’s a chance to talk things through and explore what might help you move forward.

Couples who are trying to keep it together are welcome, too. Come in together, talk with a counselor, and, if you choose, arrange a follow-up appointment as a couple.

First-come sign-up. Brief guidance, not a full therapy session. Follow-up appointments would take place offsite.

Private conversation space concept: two comfortable chairs and coffee beside a plant-screened alcove, a small ship lantern and a pirate treasure box
Ex Marks the Trails gathering concept: friends with coffee beside two parked off-road vehicles outside a warmly lit cafe with a small pirate pennant by the entrance

Ex Marks the Trails

Good coffee, trail stories, and people who understand the wave. We’re planning casual gatherings for the local Jeep community to meet, swap stories, and talk about the next adventure.

Counselors, event dates, and sign-up details will be announced as plans are confirmed.

Before you make it your Spot

A few things
you might be wondering.

Is the cafe open yet?

We’re getting ready to open in Syracuse, New York. The opening date, address and hours will be posted here when they’re confirmed. You can create your Spot Light profile now.

Is Spot Light another dating app?

Spot Light is the cafe’s membership, rewards and visit tool. You can see shared visits and let people know you plan to be there. There are no matches or in-app messages—the first hello happens at the cafe.

Can I just show up?

Absolutely. You can simply come to the cafe and meet people naturally. Joining Spot Light lets you manage your profile, visits, cafe points and rewards. Sharing your visit is optional.

What if I’m starting over?

You’re in good company. The cafe is a place to take some of the sting out of being single, laugh at life’s messier chapters, and feel welcome again. Share your story or simply enjoy your coffee.

Can I order food or merch yet?

Ordering and payments aren’t open yet. Products will appear as the catalog is finalized, and the app lets you prepare a basket. Nothing is ordered or charged.

Syracuse, New York · Before we open

Your next coffee date
could start right here.

We’re getting the place ready. Opening date, location details and hours will be shared here once confirmed. Your Spot Light profile can start today.

Find your Spot

Imagery shows the atmosphere, spaces, menu and collection we’re creating. Final details will be shared as we get ready to open.