The ScrantonMade team
can often be found sitting at Northern Light planning or dreaming about our
next event. We got the chance to chat with owner Julie
MacDowall to talk about the joys of owning a downtown business. Northern Light will
be providing
coffee cuppings and tastings outside their storefront during Arts on the
Square. We can’t wait!
How long has Northern
Light Espresso Bar been in business downtown?
Northern Light has been in business in downtown
since 2003. Darby and I purchased the cafe in 2009.
What made you decide to
purchase a cafe in downtown Scranton?
We were looking to open a Cafe in town, and found
out that this business was for sale.
What do you enjoy most
about being downtown?
Our customers and our employees.
We have made many lifelong friends within our customer base. These are
the people that you see every day. The life blood of the business, and we have
an opportunity to chat every day, even if the conversation is a brief one. Our
employees are our family. Darby and I couldn't imagine our lives without them
being a part of it. We celebrate our joys and sorrows together. We have watched
many of them grow from being young students into successful adults, with career
paths of their own.
What’s your key to
success?
Hard work, dedication, treating employees
fairly, and giving the customers what they want. We love to hear from our
customers when they let us know what they like or don't like. We have really
changed the face of Northern Light. When we purchased the business, there were
limited food options; basically nothing more than frozen pastries. Now we offer
freshly baked cookies, muffins, scones and cakes, as well as Salads,
Sandwiches, Soups and Wraps. We have Bagels and Breads delivered fresh each
day. We strive to offer the best and largest assortment of Fair trade, Organic
coffees and Loose Leaf Teas.
Why are events like Arts
on The Square are good for our community and small businesses?
Darby and I have always thought that a Market on
the Square would be great way to get people into the downtown. Arts on
the Square does a great job of showcasing locally talented artist and
musicians.
Why do you think it’s
important to support local?
More and more people realize the importance of buying local and
shopping at small businesses. Keeping the money within your own
community helps to provide a healthy economic environment and make
downtown a vibrant place to shop, live and work.
Will you be offering any
day of specials during AOTS? If so, tell us more…..
Our Barista Trainer and Roaster Luke Damiani will be in front of the
shop
from 2 pm – 7pm providing coffee cuppings and tastings of some of his
own coffees. He will also be doing some brewing demonstrations featuring
the Chemex Pourover, The Clever Dripper and French Press.
Find Northern Light
Espresso Bar:
Location: 536 Spruce
Street, Courthouse Square, Downtown Scranton
Website: northernlightespresso.com
Facebook: facebook.com/northernlightespressobar
No comments:
Post a Comment