BETTER BEAN COFFEE BRIGEW, MA

A college town is the last place I would choose to place a coffee shop. In a day and age where you can throw rocks from one Dunkin Donuts to the next chain coffee shop, the college demographic does not seem like one which is appealed by coffee shops. However, the Better Bean coffee shop seems to thrive regardless of its close rivals. Located in the center of East Bridgewater, less than half a mile from a Dunkin Donuts and Honey Dew Donuts, Better Bean is tucked away, not much of an eye opener to the standard passerby. However, inside I found a well organized coffee shop, with businessman in suits discussing what seemed important papers. I almost felt out of place being a college student, even though the worker behind the counter was around my age. The shop was filled with paintings and coffee decorations, such as bags and posters. The store also had some unorthodox decorations such as a stuffed Yoda and giraffe. I was told their coffee was from Central and Southern America. Unfortunately, the line was very long the day I visited the shop and I did not have a chance to try the coffee.

Jonathan's Coffee Cafe

https://www.facebook.com/JonathansCoffeeCafe?ref=br_tf

This is their facebook page above.

I was very impressed with the service and friendliness of the people here.  The coffee was ok but the atmosphere and food was amazing.  I am definitely going back here again.

Didn't have just breakfast food either.  A nice place to go to relax and enjoy the food.  I really like that is in a good location.  Close to the Hospital as well as my friends house.

Bob's Muffin Shop

My name is Courtney Hardy and I am from Weymouth MA and I want to share about a local business, Bob's Muffin Shop. Bob's (as it is commonly known as) is a very friendly establishment located within Columbian Square, right off of route 18 in South Weymouth, MA, 02190. 

I have been to Bob's only a couple of times before, but it is an amazing place to go, that is for sure. From the outside it may not look too special, but once you go in and give it a shot, I believe you will be thuroughly pleased. The food there is delicious, being given multiple options for both breakfast and lunch. 

Bob's Muffin Shop is well known around Weymouth for it's delicious muffin's, and food, but it is also known for being very town oriented. Companies in Weymouth such as, Snyder's Jeweler's, Park Avenue Market, Bailey's Package Store & Deli, and a few other local businesses, advertise though Bob's Muffin Shop to raise money to give students at Weymouth High School. This money goes towards a scholarship for when the students graduate. The staff that works here at Bob's is known to be much like a family and you can feel like the love and genuine care that the staff has for it's customer's right when you walk in. 

The shop itself is not very large, or very extravagant, but it deliver's a home feel that you can't get just anywhere. The store is incredibly clean and welcoming.There are tables for large groups, as well as "diner style" counter seats for those that come in as pairs or individually, and the place attracts people of all ages. Be sure that if you're going to stop by on the weekend, that you arrive early because Sunday's tend to be really busy!

If you're a coffee guru, then I'm not sure if Bob's Muffin Shop is the place to go. Their coffee is not "bad", however it isn't anything you can't get somewhere else. They sell Chef's Quality, 100% Columbian Coffee, while also providing three flavored syrup's; Hazelnut, French Vanilla, and Caramel. 

If you're going to be around Weymouth and in the area, be sure to stop by Bob's Muffin Shop. If you find that you like it there, stay up to date on all the goings on, by liking the Bob's Muffin Shop's Facebook page or by looking up the shops personal website. Enjoy! 

JAVA STOP

LOCATION



Java Stop in Feeding Hills, MA is a new small family owned coffee shop. It opened December 9, 2013 and is serving the town of Agawam and Feeding Hills. The coffee shop was easy to find and despite being on one of the busy roads in Feeding Hills is not too noisy.

The location of the shop is convenient because there is a Jiffy Lube next to it and a dance studio above it. Also it is almost across from Agawam Junior High School which makes it easy to access not only to walkers but to the parents that may want a fresh cup of coffee before picking up their Junior High Schoolers.

Craig and one of his employees.

THE OWNER AND THE STORY

   The owners of Java Stop are Craig (in picture on left) and Heiti Jurasz. They were tired of not getting quality coffee at local coffee chains so they decided to bring good coffee to the towns of Feeding Hills and Agawam.

As seen below, they offer a mix of different drinks and options. They also encourage people to create their own and it might end up being named after the person that created the drink. They also offer regular coffee and a veriety of teas.

The picture on the left is from a picture that they had on the wall and the one of the right is their work space. The shop is small but it is not too busy. I liked that people there were friendly and helped me decide on what to order. It was a welcoming atmosphere and there was also a place to sit down and enjoy your coffee.

COFFEE AND FOOD

In the Shope they serve Pierce Bros. Coffee. It is fair trade, air roasted, organic coffee. They also have a water processed decaf which means that chemicals are not used. The coffee is grown in Guatemala and Mexico. When I tasted their coffee I thought it was very good. It had a smooth flavor and was good black. You also recieve a Coffee Club Card which allows you to get a free coffee after your 9th cup.  



After going over the incredible amount of options I finally decided on a hot Chico's Chiquita and a pretzel twist. I was thoroughly impressed with the coffee which had banana, nutella, and salted caramel. It also came with a chocolate covered espresso bean which definitely made my eyes glitter. The coffee was fantastic and so was the pretzel. The pretzel was a very soft non-oily bread with a salted outside. Also they let me taste their black coffee and it was very rich and smooth. I was beyond satisfied with my visit and options. I will definitely go again.

Review by Natalya Riberdy

George Howell Coffee Lab / Cafe

George Howell Coffee, known as the "Coffee Lab" for George Howell and his brand connection Terroir Coffee, is located on 311 Walnut Street in Newtonville Massachusetts.

Despite the plain and uninviting outside view, DO NOT let that deter you from tasting some amazing single origin coffee! The area of the shop is very small and space is limited. This does not however, hinder customers from visiting. You will need to sacrifice elbow room at the small tables, yet for the faithful coffee drinkers, personal space does not seem to matter when good coffee and conversation is involved.This cafe has an exclusive atmosphere, however the staff is very kind and accommodating. Despite cramped conditions, there can be no complaints about cleanliness, as George Howell Coffee appeared to be quite well kept.

Established in February of 2012, this coffee lab is the first to be opened under the George Howell name. George Howell founded The Coffee Connection in Harvard Square in 1975 and by 1994, had grown his business to include 23 cafes. The chain was acquired by Starbucks and Howell has not established new shops in the United States until now. It is probable that Howell will expand this business in the future into more that one shop, as he attempts to recapture the coffee industry from companies who market and  sell poor quality coffee masked by artificial flavors and additives.





The Cafe features a new "Coffee of the Day!" each morning, as well as many other choices of drip coffees, tea, espresso, and a limited choice of baked goods. Small bags of single origin whole beans are also available for sale alongside mugs featuring the George Howell name.

Regular business hours are...
         Monday-Friday 6:30 am - 6:00 pm
         Saturday-Sunday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm 

The atmosphere is again, quite exclusive. However the coffee is well worth the intimidation factor. Take a friend, or your e-book, and find a seat (if possible) and enjoy.

It is important to view the George Howell website (link below). There you will find information on the origin and background to the coffee offered in this shop, alongside many beautiful pictures of the environments where the coffee cherries are grown and harvested. The website also features whole bean coffee for sale as well as frequent updates on what varieties of coffee are currently being roasted at the roastery in Acton, Massacusetts. Geographical information regarding the stages of coffee growth in varying countries is also provided.

Want more information? Find it at...
George Howell Coffee Website

Review By Allie Franey

The Other Coffee Shack

I visited The Other Coffee Shack on 15 Schoosett Street in Pembroke, Ma. It is a sister coffee shop to The Coffee Shack on 259 Dyke Road in Marshfield, MA. This shop is right near my house and my Dad suggested I go there because he loves it. I have only heard great things about this coffee shop so I decided to give it a shot. The shop is no bigger than a bedroom but does plenty of business. It opened in 2006 but the one in Marshfield has been opened for over 20 years. Both are owned and run by Kenny and Lynda Glod. I went around 10am and there was no one there so it was a great time to ask questions.

There is a Dunkin Donuts 0.6 miles away from The Other Coffee Shack.

This is the menu of the iced coffees that they offer. I ordered a pumpkin pie iced coffee which is half pumpkin spice and half French vanilla. The sign says that they use flavored beans and not syrups. I ordered mine with just skim milk and even with no sugar, the coffee had a lot of taste. I was very surprised by this because I am used to Dunkin Donuts coffee which is not that good without the syrup or sugar in them. The coffee that they use is an Arabica Blend that comes from different countries. One of the companies that provides the coffee beans to them is S&D Coffee and Tea which is out of Avon, MA.

Even though the shop has very flavorful and delicious coffee, they are known for their hand cut donuts. The owner Kenny bakes all of the donuts from scratch for both locations. They sell 15 to 18 dozen donuts a day. They also have other pastries such as muffins, brownies, scones, and the old-fashion hermit which is like a square gingerbread cookie with raisins in it.

If you are ever in the area, be sure to stop at The Coffee Shack to try their delicious coffee and donuts!



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