If you're one of the legions of teleworkers or employees whose job has them on the road all day, you know it's often tough finding a place to have a quick breakfast meeting —- or an afternoon coffee break, for that matter. Those in the Alpharetta area have a new option for solving those dilemmas now that the Roam Cafe has opened on Windward Parkway.

The Roam complex is part cafe, part lounge and part business center. There are eight conference rooms that can be reserved for events, a 50-seat theater, a spacious patio and a cafe offering comfortable leather armchairs, free wireless access, plasma-screen TVs and enough food to keep you fueled for an entire day of meetings. There are power outlets on the floor and close to each table so you can stay plugged in while eating. But you don't have to be on the clock to enjoy the cafe's offerings —- it's open to anyone who wants breakfast, lunch or a break.

The Roam idea was born from the brains of several professionals who saw the need for a place to meet clients when on the road or working from home.

"We started talking about a professional business lounge about a year ago," said partner Jason Dauble. "We all travel, and many of us have tried going to Starbucks or a restaurant and found it was either too loud or the table was too small. Here, anybody can come in, grab a coffee, check their e-mail or have lunch."

Dauble envisions more Roams opening around the metro area. If you're turned on by the concept, you can become an official Roam member, enjoying discounts on room rental, catering and events. Memberships range from $99 to $149 a month. But there's no membership required to eat.

Come early, stay late

The Roam cafe opens at 7 a.m., so you can get a jump on the workday with an energizing breakfast. Start with a latte or a cup of the house A-Roam-a blend coffee, along with bagels, whole wheat waffles, cereal, fruits, muffins and yogurt. Switch to a smoothie at lunch with a bowl of butternut squash soup, chicken noodle with an herbed sour cream dollop or tomato bisque. Add a Caesar salad topped with chicken; spinach with apples, pecans and onions; mixed greens with dried cranberries, pecans and Gorgonzola; or a Greek version with feta and olives.

The sandwich lineup features a ciabatta BLT, roast beef or ham panini and a pepper jack and Gouda grilled cheese. A hot line is still in the works but will add an onion tart, mushroom pie, cheese tortellini and bow tie pasta. Wrap it up with a cookie, yogurt parfait or a mixed nut assortment.

The same menu is available until 9 p.m.

Beverages

The star of the drink selection is the house A-Roam-a blend coffee. Other energizing options include iced coffees, double espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, hot or iced teas and Ghirardelli hot chocolate. Smoothies are green-tea-based and made with fruit. Water and soft drinks are also available. Look for coffee drink specials each week. Beverage prices range from $2.25 to $5.

ROAM CAFE

> Where: 5815 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta, 678-495-2260

> Signature dish: four blends of coffee, A-Roam-a blend

> Entree prices: $6-$10

> Hours: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays

> Reservations: no

> Credit cards: yes

> Web site: www.roamatlanta.com