Cordella's Coffee Shop is causing a buzz on Worcester's west side

Cordella’s is a small shop that opened in early April at 116B June St., Worcester, serving up everything up everything from espresso and ice coffees to teas and sweet treats. It’s comfortable and welcoming atmosphere makes customers definitely feel at home.

Coffee shops play an important role in community, the main reason owners Andy Jimison and wife Jessica Rao with friends Ellie Ellis and Alecia Bishop partnered in the neighborhood business. Jimison and his wife, who previously lived in New York City, “where coffee shops are on every corner,” moved to the west side of Worcester several years ago. He opened Materia Arcade and Video Games in 2022 when he saw a rental sign in the window of 116A June St. Materia was a way for him to turn his love of collecting video game consoles into a business, said Jimison, who had worked at an architecture firm in New York before relocating to Worcester.

After opening Materia, Jimison thought the June Street block needed a coffee shop and his neighbors agreed, he said. There are many independently-owned businesses already established on the street, including Thai and Chinese restaurants, a Greek specialty market, a pizza shop and more, but no specialty coffee place.

When a store front became available next to Materia, Jimison talked to the building’s owner about leasing and pitched the coffee shop idea to his wife, who works in public health. More shop talk with friends Ellis, a designer, and Bishop, who had worked corporate and was a longtime Acoustic Java employee. “Everyone was on the same page,” said Jimison.

All the partners work in the business, sharing responsibilities from preparing and serving high-quality coffee drinks and teas to helping manage inventories and creating menus. Bishop, a former barista, created a coffee menu using Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee Company in Orange. Ellis said, “Coffee is my world and I am so happy I’m part of the team.”

According to Jimison, Cordella’s “is an easy walk for residents in the area.” People who have recently moved to the west side neighborhood from larger cities say they like to be able to eat and shop without driving,” he said.

There’s no shortage of opportunities for coffee lovers in Worcester to find a new favorite stop so Cordella’s owners said it was important for them to establish an identity for their business. The community-minded shop has held pop ups with local businesses, such as Pig Out! vegan bakery, welcomes in book clubs and has established a local artist feature. Leslie Etedgee’s weaving designs recently were on display at the shop. Board games are accessible and coloring pages designed by Ellie Ellis are popular with kids of all ages. Free Wi-Fi. Note: Inside, at the shop entrance is a bucket of used coffee grounds, free for customers to use for composting and gardening. Bags for the coffee grounds are provided.

The shop offers a full espresso menu, drip and pour-over coffee, syrups (seasonal), in addition to homemade whipped cream. Mem Tea company out of Cambridge provides herbals and classic varieties of tea. Cordella’s also buys product from Thymes Herbal Apothecary in Shrewsbury. Vegan options include milk alternatives and vegan-friendly pastries. “A full experience,” say the shop’s owners.

Cordella’s, with inside seating for 14 people, is open 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Telephone: (774) 670-0432. On the street parking. Social media: Instagram and Facebook . A new summer menu will be posted very soon on Instagram.

“We’re so fortunate and grateful to have local support of small businesses,” said Jimison. Social media also has helped bring in new customers, he said. A recent social media post called the shop a neighborhood gem, while another appreciated friendly staff.  “Coffee, amazing.”

Consistency in any food business leads to better customer service and ultimately a more successful business. It appears that Cordella’s owners after only a few months have got their shop up and running and it’s much more than a place to grab a cup of joe. It’s a unique social space.

Future plans?

More community involvement, especially with nearby colleges, according to owners. Asked about new food options, they answered, “maybe, sandwiches.”

Welcome one of the newest additions to the city’s coffee scene.

If you have a tidbit for the column, call (508) 868-5282. Send email to bhoulefood@gmail.com .

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Cordella's Coffee Shop is causing a buzz on Worcester's west side