From cold treats to specialty coffee, Cozmo's Cafe has it all

An attempt to bring a little bit of Italy to Cape Girardeau ended up as Cozmo's Cafe, the brightly colored cafe on Independence Street.

"It's like having a Panera, Baskin Robbins, Starbucks and Cinnabon in one restaurant," said Trace Jessup, project director of Cozmo's Cafe.

It is a gourmet cafe with everything "off the hook" or pushed to perfection. It is similar to the Italian restaurants called gelaterias, he said.

Cozmo's Cafe, owned by Dr. Michael Jessup, has been open two years. Trace Jessup said his brother wanted to give something back to Cape Girardeau by introducing new products to the area — gelato and sorbetto.

In April 2007, Trace Jessup assumed the role of project director. Jessup is a trained executive analyst. His job was teaching businesses to improve their products and "tweak" the product's presentation. Jessup has owned seven businesses during his career.

In our health-conscious world, it is important to note that these Italian confections are wholesome sweets.

"It is a healthy alternative treat," Jessup said.

For example, sorbetto is 95 percent fruit and only 5 percent dairy. Cozmo's smoothies have fewer than 200 calories.

Not only is it good for the waistline, it is a better value for your wallet. Jessup said because sorbetto and gelato have less air than ice cream, you get more product for your money.

Another Cozmo's distinction is the extensive varieties of gelato. Behind the counter sit 48 flavors.

Jessup purchases his gelato from an Italian friend whose family has made the cold confection for years. His distributor also provides the sorbetto for Air Force One.

But Cozmo's Cafe is not just an ice cream shop. It also serves specialty coffees, pastries and sandwiches.

Cozmo's menu offers a customer guide explaining the differences in the various types of coffee.

In addition to providing a new dining experience for Cape Girardeau, it also functions as a gathering place for high school and college students.

"It is a safe haven for kids who are waiting to be picked up by their parents," Jessup said.

Southeast Missouri State University students Lauren Beard and Jennifer Karnes said they introduced their friend, Sarah Payton, to Cozmo's because it is a quiet place to relax and study.

Cozmo's hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Cozmo's Cafe

1929 Independence St.

335-8033