What's with all the new coffee shops in Westchester?
Since January, 14 have opened in every corner of the county, from Pelham to Port Chester, with seven new additions in May and June alone. Those include two within walking distance to each other in Irvington (shout out to Don Carvajal Café and LuDY Cafe), and two in Scarsdale, namely The Formosa Coffee and Omni Caffe.
Meanwhile, in New Rochelle, newcomer AltaMira opened in early June steps away from existing spots Pop's Espresso and Harpoon Hanna's.
And a major independently owned coffee chain (shout out to Gregorys) opened its sole Westchester location on June 17th in White Plains.
Plus come fall, Coffee Social will open on East Post Road in White Plains. Erin O'Keefe and Pam Geiger, owners of nearby Ice Cream Social, said they noticed a lack of community spaces where groups can gather for small events. So their new spot will put an emphasis on "social" by selling more than coffee, and will feature open mic nights, improv groups, paint nights, and more.
And they're not the only ones on the horizon. There's signage (but no details) for Crema Caffe coming to White Plains Road in Eastchester.
Plus, there are still more than two dozen coffee shops that already exist across the county, a majority of which opened in the past year and a half.
Why all the coffee buzz in Westchester?
What's going on? Is it that Westchester residents are especially fueled by caffeine? Or has the pandemic changed the work culture to the point that coffeehouses have become virtual offices? Or is it simply coincidence — with like-minded people planning coffee shops as community hubs?
Local owners say it's a bit of all of the above — and that coffee shops have historically been prized "third places" ("home" and "work" being first and second) that provide a neutral ground for gathering and socializing.
Alicia Love, a longtime coffee shop owner — she and her husband Mike own Coffee Lab Roasters in Tarrytown and Eastchester (the former has been open 20 years) — said Westchester has a strong post-pandemic appeal. "Rents are cheaper here so there's always been a history of migration north," she said. "You see it with restaurants and it happens with coffee shops, too."
COVID sent a lot of people out of New York City. Now coffee shops they're providing the community many have craved since the pandemic, becoming part of our routine and rituals.
Running a coffee shop is harder than it looks
Another reason for the sudden uptick in coffee shops? A perennial rose colored glasses view of what it takes to run one. "People think it's easier then it looks," said Love.
"It's not the cash cow some set out believing it is. To be successful and serve quality, it's real work."
Mimi Humphrey of Shea Station, who opened her spot at the Metro North train station in Pelham in March, agrees. Her daily commutes into the city had made her dream of "creating a beautiful environment where people could hang out and feel comfortable." That said, the longtime executive admits it was more of a passion project than a business proposition and that it's definitely been harder — and more exhausting — than she expected. "But I'm learning," she said. "We're just trying to keep it simple, continue to innovate and see what people want."
Keys to success
Why have so many coffee shops opened mere steps from each other? It can take months between signing a lease and opening, so you can't be sure who your neighbors will be. Tim Akapo of LuDY Cafe had no idea Héctor Carvajal of Carvajal Cafe was opening so close by in Irvington when he first signed his lease, and vice versa. Similarly, when Dave West, co-founder and owner of Port Chester's PORTRUSH Coffee, first started his project, he wasn't aware of a single espresso machine in Port Chester (although The Producer, which opened last year, isn't far away).
"An upscale coffee shop wasn't a particularly good match with the local demographics but I thought it would be rewarding and hopefully a source of pride if done well, even if it never made any money," he said.
He is a strong believer that certain things set PORTRUSH apart. Its mission is to share 40% of profits with employees, donate 10% of profits to the Feathers Foundation, which helps impoverished families in the Philippines, and to grow their herbs in-house (on a vertical wall visible upon entry) for menu items like freshly infused sodas.
"I don't really follow the competition that closely but in my travels I have never seen any other shop doing all the various things we've done," he said.
Setting yourself apart is one key to success, but there are so many others.
Gregory Zamfotis founded Gregorys Coffee in 2006 in Manhattan and now has more than 42 locations, including his new one at The Westchester mall. He stressed how important it is for owners to know their demographic and secure a rent that works for them. And you still need to offer the basics: a great product with top customer service and ambiance in a spot that's easy to frequent. And you need to offer more than coffee, be it your own house roasted beans, gluten-free goodies, juices or breakfast items.
Most of the new owners believe there is room for all. "Each one is unique with its own community of people behind its success," said Akapo of LuDY Cafe.
Jonathan Yanez, co-founder of PORTRUSH, said the opening of so many coffee shops could move consumers away from national chains.
"The more local coffee consumption we create, the more awareness that there will be," he said. "The more coffee shops that are available, the more competition, and that competition will drive everyone to improve. This drive to improve will positively impact the entire coffee value chain from seed to cup."
That said, attrition is part of any business. The first dip in the economy could mean that some shops will close, predicts Love of Coffee Lab Roasters. "The strong and the passionate will survive," she said. "To be successful in this business means being in it for the long haul."
What follows is a rundown of this year's coffee scene additions in Westchester:
Altamira Cafe, New Rochelle
Opened: June 3What sets them apart: Swanky velvet chairs, a European vibe and a wide selection of food and pastries featuring everything from yogurt parfaits to sandwiches, pastries and gelato. A liquor license is in the works, which means affogatos will eventually be on the menu. Drink up: 245 Main St., 914-355-2083
Blue Heron Tea & Coffee, Mount Kisco
Opened: May 6What sets them apart: The modern decor, coupled with a merchant store experience, gives off nostalgia vibes (the space formerly housed a barbershop). Another point of difference: its emphasis on pure espresso blends done traditional Italian style. There's also a focus on tea with 21 whole leaf teas and more to come. The 18-seat spot is owned by Matthew Paratore and Mount Kisco native John Mullen, and features old-fashioned candy and gum as well as crave-worthy pastries from Manhattan's Sullivan Street Bakery. Drink up:9 Kirby Plaza, 914-218-3280.
Don Carvajal Café, Irvington
Opened: April 27What sets it apart: It's Dominican-focused with Dominican coffee beans that Owner Héctor Carvajal roasts himself (and sells to Whole Foods) and Dominican-focused food (though there are certainly American faves like avocado toast and pancakes). Definitely try the Tres Golpes, a classic Dominican breakfast with a sunny side egg, salami, pickled onions, queso frito and mangu (basically mashed plantains). Carvajal — who's all about the three C's: coffee, community and culture — also offers the moka pot experience, basically espresso served on a stovetop (but with a precise method that's fun to watch). It's the only place you'll find it in Westchester. Also fun: the working record player where you'll find Carvajal spinning tunes. It's obvious he's poured a lot of love into the place: the business, which some may know from his days at local farmers markets, is named after his maternal grandfather. His grandfather's face graces the bags of beans sold in the café and his hats decorate the shelf space.Drink up: 75 Main St., 914-231-5040, doncarvajalcafe.com.
How Ya Brewing, Tuckahoe
Opened: March 30What sets it apart: Their baked goods from New Rochelle's Cherry Lawn Market, Yonkers-based Baked After Midnight and family-owned Zeppieri Bakery, along with innovative thirst-quenchers like the blueberry lavender iced coffee and nitro cold brew. They also have a smiley-faced insert for your coffee cup when you get your drinks to go as well as a range of vegan and gluten-free items. Drink up: 5 Fisher Ave.
Gregorys Coffee, White Plains
Opened: June 17What sets them apart: It's an easy coffee and pastry grab while shopping at the mall. It's also a place many city folks are comfortable with as this chain has long been popular there. There's also an innovative, plant-forward menu that incorporates seasonal ingredients.Drink up: 125 Westchester Ave. (in The Westchester), Level 3 (between Venchi and Auntie Anne’s); gregoryscoffee.com.
LuDY Cafe, Irvington
Opened: June 2 What sets them apart: It's location near the Metro North train station and sunny minimalist space for watching the trains go by. There's also outdoor seating. Plus, Owner Tim Akapo and his wife Ashley are serious about their single-origin coffee which, according to their website, is sourced from "award winning farmers to create blends that are mild, curious or wild." The Akapos have also partnered with Spirit Tea to bring single origin tea, sourced from small farmers around the globe. Pastries are from woman-owned, Pelham-based Flour Power. Drink up: 7 N. Astor St., 914-233-1581, ludycafe.com.
Mon Amour Coffee & Wine, Yonkers
Opened: January 2What sets it apart: Enjoy a Parisian feel in the heart of Yonkers thanks to a large photo of the Eiffel Tower and the glittery chandelier. The 28-seat spot, from Urbano Estevez, who owns La Bella Havana around the corner, is all about offering a relaxing place to have coffee, good food and wine. The coffee beans are from Joe Coffee and the pastries are baked fresh daily. There's an array of food choices, giving Mon Amour more of a restaurant feel.Drink up: 40 Nepperhan St., 914-968-2852, facebook.com/MonAmourCoffeeAndWine
Omni Caffe, Scarsdale
Opened: February 1What sets them apart: The authentic Italian cafe vibe. Customers can expect high quality espresso, gelato and freshly baked croissants, focaccia, pastries, cannolis and muffins, all of which are either imported directly from Italy or made in-house. Drink up: 60 Garth Road, 914-362-1230.
PortRush Coffee, Port Chester
Opened: May 1What sets it apart: It's small but mighty with artisinal coffee, employee ownership and a charity component. Forty percent of profits go to employees, with 10% going to The Feathers Project, which helps impoverished families in the Philippines. The shop, with four stools by the front window and a bench outside, features a variety of "Train Line Toasts," with fresh fruit and herbs — the herbs are grown in the shop on a vertical wall to the left. There are also broghies — pocket sandwiches filled with items like spicy tuna, onion, tomatoes and fresh greens or hummus, eggplant, zucchini and sundried tomatoes. PORTRUSH is a collaboration between Jonathan Yanez, who cultivated his love for coffee in the Galapagos Islands, and Dave West, a tech entrepreneur who started his career in the food industry and whose office just happens to be next door. Yanez runs the shop with his wife Abigail Nares.Drink up: 14 King St., 914-635-0018, portrushcoffee.com
Sleepy Coffee Too, Sleepy Hollow
Opened: April 26What sets it apart: It serves "kindness in a cup." The shop is a non profit (501c3) business with the goal of providing training and employment for people with disabilities in an inclusive cafe workplace. You may need a bit more patience when placing your order. The business is an extension of what owner (and Tarrytown resident) Kim Kaczmarek had been doing at Sleepy Hollow High School for 35 years. The special education teacher, who retired in June 2021, ran a work program there called Sleepy Coffee that provided coffee from a cart that her students ran. Seeing the lack of employment opportunities for these young adults once they graduated both frustrated and motivated Kaczmarek to take action only two months into her retirement. The result is a cozy 19-seat space complete with a large black and white mural of a cup with a heart on it next to a faux fireplace, lots of cutesy coffee signs, warm woods, a sofa, counter seating (with outlets for plugging in) and tables offering a mismatch of brown and red chairs. There's also merchandise from other companies with similar missions to Sleepy Coffee, Too, as well as plenty of coffee and pastry options. Drink up: 110 Beekman Ave., sleepycoffeetoo.org
Shea Station, Pelham
Opened: March 2What sets it apart: Pelham resident Mimi Humphrey was inspired both by wanting a community hang-out spot after years of commuting and also by her son, Shea, who has special needs. The airy, light-filled, 19-seat space is at the Metro North station making for an easy grab-and-go or simply staying in. In addition to Coffee Lab Roasters coffee, you'll find a host of savory and sweet pastries, many of which are gluten-free and vegan. Down the line, Humphrey's goal is to employ other adults with cognitive delays. The motto after all is "coffee, kindness, community."Drink up: 1 Pelhamwood Ave.
Sheza Coffee House, Yonkers
Opened: January 5What sets it apart: There's a lush jungle theme with a large tree in the middle of the space as well as colorful murals, including one of Owner Sheza Waseem with her sister and their two Bengal cats. That's in addition to a vibrant flower-filled wall where a sign reads "#LoveAtFirstSip and a pink neon sign says "Sheza Coffee House." The decor alone, with its lush maroon velvet banquettes and yellow chairs, will wow you, as does the coffee and pastries. A must try is the Pakistani whipped coffee made with cardamom and cinnamon.Drink up: 1 S. Alexander St., 914-483-4700, shezacoffeehouse.com
Sunshine Coffee Roasters, Rye
Opened: February 9What sets it apart: The modern, neutral interior with its high-end booths, upholstery and rattan hanging lights, some of which look like upside down umbrellas. This spot is worlds-away different from its Larchmont location, as it's larger, brighter, and sunnier and designed for hanging out. That means mugs from Tarrytown potter Connor McGinn (which are also for sale) and a full menu featuring items like avocado toast and grilled cheeses. All beans are roasted in Larchmont and brought here.Drink up: 12 Purdy Ave., 914-848-4774, sunshineroaster.com
The Formosa Coffee, Scarsdale
Opened: May 25What sets it apart: It's the only Westchester coffee shop offering naturally processed beans from the mountains of Taiwan. Owner Jason Chen missed Taiwanese coffee, especially during travel restrictions from COVID, so he made his dream a reality. Along with the coffee (no decaf at the moment), diners find a minimalist decor in addition to Taiwanese tea, pastries from Balthazar and a sampling of pre-packaged Taiwanese treats. The space, on the first floor of an office building, also features local artwork (for sale) and plants from area florists, also for sale.Drink up: 111 Brook St., 914-881-9188, theformosacoffee.com.
Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @lohud_food or via the lohudfood newsletter.
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