WHAT YOU NEED NOW - CONTENT UPDATED THROUGH THE DAY -
April 7, 2005
Featured Business: The Old Village Roaster
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by Eve Marcum-Atkinson
Huntington News Network Writer
Huntington (HNN) — When you walk down 4th Avenue, the aroma of freshly
roasted coffee beans hits your senses. The Old Village Roaster, an old favorite
of the downtown shoppers, hosts specialty gourmet coffees roasted here in
Huntington. One can also find them within Empire Books and News at Pullman
Square. Said Vicky Cooper, co-owner of The Old Village Roaster, "My husband
[Pete] and I opened this location [at Empire Books & News] on February
1, 2005. For our primary location, we're coming up on an anniversary. May 1,
2005 will be our 10th anniversary."
Q: "Why did you choose the coffee roasting business?"
A: "For one, that is the premier way of having absolutely the best product is
to roast it yourself. That gives us a heads-up above all the other coffee
shops around. You know exactly that you are using a premium product to make
your coffee, because you purchased the raw product." This gives the Old Village
Roaster the ability to guarantee the freshest cup of coffee in Huntington.
"It evolved out of a hobby." For about 5 years before they opened the
Village Roaster, Pete and Vicky were doing fairs and festivals, selling
their fresh roasted peanuts and other products. "We started roasting coffee
and it just escalated...demand grew."
Q: "What would you say has been your key to success?"
A: "Quality Product, Quality Service and Guaranteed Fresh Product. And of
course Customer Service... I think our customers really appreciate it."
Q: "Any advice to someone looking to start a small business in Huntington?"
A: "I would say Location for one is important. Believe in your product.
Personal Service. We always advise people to 'Start Small'. Don't go
head-over-heals into debt. Try to keep your overhead as low as possible, and
grow as demand grows."
Q: "Do you have any plans for further growth of The Old Village Roaster?"
A: "I don't look to greatly expand. I tend to think that when you lose your
own personal touch, you lose something important."
Pete and Vicky Cooper of the Old Village Roaster look to stay in Huntington, continuing to roast their
excellent coffees and deliver their personalized service with a smile, and can be found at either of their locations: 919 4th Avenue and inside Empire Books and News at the Pullman
Square. You can reach them by phone at (304) 697-1944.
Download their menu by Clicking Here. * (View Pictures)
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