2008 Woodie Awards
Coffee, Cappuccino and Espresso, Oh My!
Kerin E. Lazzarro and Dylan Sharek
Issue date: 2/16/06 Section: Entertainment
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Starbucks. Dunkin' Donuts. Panera Bread. These coffee shop chains are household names. But what about Ocean Coffee Roasters, Roba Dulce, or The Steaming Bean? These, you may not have heard of, but you soon will. Some, like Ocean Coffee Roasters, have been around for years. Others, like Roba Dolce, have just moved in. Either way, these small specialty roasters are quickly gaining in popularity because of their uniqueness, quality, and inviting atmosphere. With 52 percent of Americans drinking coffee, these coffee shops are just a few that are making an impact in the flourishing Newport coffee scene.
OCEAN COFFEE ROASTERS
Newport wasn't filled to the brim with small coffee shops 20 years ago. In fact, Michael LeDonna noticed that there wasn't a single one. As a result, he created what local java-heads and scone-scarfers consider the first Newport specialty coffee roaster-the Wave Café in Wellington Square.
In 1993, LeDonna sold the business to Excellent Coffee Co., which is based in Pawtucket. What remains of his groundbreaking venture is now known as Ocean Coffee Roasters located at 22 Washington Square.
When approaching Ocean Coffee Roasters, it is hard to tell that it is not part of a large chain. The navy blue and white overhangs outside the shop are reminiscent of something you might find outside of Dunkin' Donuts. Once through the simple glass door and inside, however, it is apparent that this is not your average coffee shop.
Employees smile and greet you upon entering. Eighteen large glass jars with varying flavors of coffee beans glisten, begging for your attention. Two showcases hold more varieties of cookies, scones, biscotti, bagels, cakes and muffins than one's mind can handle. The shop is reminiscent of an old time diner with its black and white checkerboard floor, comforting yellow walls, burgundy lamps, and open kitchen in the back.
Roasters' departure from the corporate look makes it clear that the Rhode Island based chain has done its best to remain small and local.
OCEAN COFFEE ROASTERS
Newport wasn't filled to the brim with small coffee shops 20 years ago. In fact, Michael LeDonna noticed that there wasn't a single one. As a result, he created what local java-heads and scone-scarfers consider the first Newport specialty coffee roaster-the Wave Café in Wellington Square.
In 1993, LeDonna sold the business to Excellent Coffee Co., which is based in Pawtucket. What remains of his groundbreaking venture is now known as Ocean Coffee Roasters located at 22 Washington Square.
When approaching Ocean Coffee Roasters, it is hard to tell that it is not part of a large chain. The navy blue and white overhangs outside the shop are reminiscent of something you might find outside of Dunkin' Donuts. Once through the simple glass door and inside, however, it is apparent that this is not your average coffee shop.
Employees smile and greet you upon entering. Eighteen large glass jars with varying flavors of coffee beans glisten, begging for your attention. Two showcases hold more varieties of cookies, scones, biscotti, bagels, cakes and muffins than one's mind can handle. The shop is reminiscent of an old time diner with its black and white checkerboard floor, comforting yellow walls, burgundy lamps, and open kitchen in the back.
Roasters' departure from the corporate look makes it clear that the Rhode Island based chain has done its best to remain small and local.