LEWISTON - Bonnie Loubier finds coffee enticing.

So enticing that when she was unsure which new career path to choose, she just decided to follow her nose, so to speak.

Loubier is planning to open Cafe Bon-Bon at Middle and Main streets by mid March. It will feature six kinds of Green Mountain Roasters coffee, as well as espresso, cappuccino, lattes, smoothies, pastries, soups and deli sandwiches. After careers in landscape design, retailing and finance, she and her husband, Joe, were brainstorming about her next move. It was her love of coffee that tipped the scales and nudged her to open a cafe.

"I love Green Mountain coffee," she said. "For 10 years now I've been drinking it and grinding it at home. All of our family members got Green Mountain Coffee and grinders for gifts."

Loubier decided that Lewiston could use a cafe downtown, where customers can grab a quick coffee to go, or take advantage of the couch and chairs, Internet computers and TV to unwind and relax over a hot beverage. The cafe is located in the former Day's Travel office, surrounded by huge, streetside windows that let in lots of sun.

Loubier will be adding new awnings to exterior, but not so they block the sunshine. She's trying to recreate a sunny, Parisien street cafe. A mural depicting a French city scene adorns one entire wall and small bistro tables and chairs will dot the sidewalk outside her door.

Loubier hopes they will beckon patrons in to try the coffees and other offerings.

"I hope to attract professionals, college students and customers from Zimmie's," she said with a smile. "And foot traffic from other Main Street businesses."

Zimmie's, the game and comic store located two doors down from Cafe Bon-Bon, is owned by the Loubiers. In fact, Bonnie is planning to hire some Zimmie's regulars to help with her cafe deliveries - a service she plans to offer as soon as the doors open. She expects to open in mid-March but is planning a grand opening celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 5.

For now, though, she's busy setting up shop. A local carpenter installed her cupboards and counters and Loubier has done most of the painting and interior decorating herself, including the antique teapots and coffeepots she will have on display. But that's part of the appeal - she's never been her own boss.

"This is my baby," she said.

When the kitchen is ready she'll start preparing deli sandwiches and soups, including some unusual offerings.

"The Metropolis is one," she said. "It's fresh mozzarella, lettuce, tomato on focaccia with your choice of basil or sun-dried tomato pesto."

First she has to attend Java University in Vermont to learn the proper way to prepare Green Mountain Roasters coffee. Although she plans to offer only six varieties initially, Loubier wants to expand to more exotic blends and even organic coffee "to attract people with those preferences." She expects her coffee and food will be modestly priced.

"I'll have a healthy menu, but you know, you can't help but have a little pastry with your coffee," she said as she ticked off the homemade scones, muffins and cookies she plans to offer.

Then she smiled.

"I'm wicked excited."