Friday's Special Surprise

Is there any one of us who does not like to be treated specially?  I mean each of us is unique and special in our own way, but to be picked out for a special task or special honor is always a wonderful treat. Just the other day I was blessed with a very special invitation. 

 Let me back track a year or so. When my husband and I moved the Pocono Mountains, in town there was a building that was obviously once a medical building/doctor’s office. I was disappointed that there was no longer a town doctor in the building and I hate seeing such a nice little place being unused. However, I found out that it was going to be turned into a coffee house. I love my coffee! I was thrilled to learn that our little village was going to have one of its own. 

 What I didn't know at the time was all of the hard work that was already going on behind the scenes to open this amazing little gem. 

 We have been here for nearly 2 years, but we don't know that many people in town. However I regularly check the town social media board and that's how I learned about this wonderful coffee house and the family behind it. And as time has gone along, I have gotten to know the woman behind the project. 

 Ruth is multi-talented (as is all of her family). She has come up with us idea of a place where people can gather and enjoy coffee all while working as a local musician. And believe me she is incredible musician. I have heard her play, and the notes and chords that come from her piano are heavenly. She and her husband, as well as their family, have been working for 3 years on getting this coffee house up and running. (That’s a LONG time and A LOT of work.) 

 I had no idea how much work went into opening a new business AND renovating a building.  I now have a small inkling of some of the challenges but I am also aware there is so much more to the story. All the blood sweat and tears that have been going into this establishment would probably put a lesser person over the edge. But not Ruth and her incredibly hard-working family. Despite challenges they keep moving forward. 

 Back in the early fall they were hoping for autumn opening. Autumn came and went. Winter came and went. Work was done and more work was done! Ruth kept us updated with social media posts. And with every post I could feel the hard work and determination they were putting into it. I knew it would be a very special place and the very least I could do was cheer them on. Which I did. As did many in the community. Which tells you something about the community. We are all cheering for each other. We want small businesses not just to survive but to thrive. 

 Here we are now in May and the coffee house is still not officially open. However, I knew that Ruth and her family were doing some “testing.” Somehow I managed to wheedle my way in, even before the shop was officially opened. 

 We were graciously invited (that would be my husband and myself,) to drop by on Friday for coffee.

 What they have done with the building is nothing short of amazing. The outside was always nice, but they have made it more inviting. It is a beautiful oasis and I'm sure every outside chair will be filled when they open. 

 I had never been inside, but I know from pictures what it had once looked like. What they have turned an office space into is something completely relaxing and friendly. It's everything you'd want in a coffee house and more! Furthermore, how many coffee houses do you know that have their own grand pianos in them? I know Ruth plans to play sometimes and I think it will be magnificent to sit there, coffee and listen to her melodies. 

 I will admit that I was a little nervous. What if I didn't like my latte? With my husband didn't like his coffee? What would we say? What would we do? I need had not be worried. Our drinks were FABULOUS.  (And I don't say that lightly!)

 Ruth greeted us at the door and introduced to her husband, a talented mason who owns his own business, and two of their three children who are working at the shop. My husband ordered an Americano and I ordered a mocha latte (Yes I know I'm very predictable.). We both agreed they were delicious. And I mean that with all of my heart. Yes I have been to many different places and had many different mocha lattes but this…This was an incredible treat.  Plus the place (and the owners) has a heart that I've never felt or seen anywhere else. 

 We did not stay too long. I had to get back to work and I know that they had a lot of work to do.  (A local paper is doing a story on them and was dropping by for photos). No article that is written or any blog post that I can write can adequately convey the warmth and love found in their establishment. 

 Yes, there is plenty to still do there. Lots of little touches. But the framework is there and I am more excited than I have been in a long time at the thought of the grand opening which is to come. And I'm not even part of the family. Yet, having been there for less than an hour, I felt as if I was part of the family. I felt as if I was a friend of a long time. Clearly anyone who comes to the coffee house will be treated in such a manner. That, along with the delicious coffee and food that will be served, is sure to make it a destination that is not to be missed.

 Soon (we hope) the coffee house will officially open to the public. I am hoping to be one of the first in line that day. My husband will be with me having enjoyed not just an incredible cup of coffee but a biscuit slathered in gravy that was so generously given to him when we left Friday morning. My only fear is that there will not be enough parking spaces to hold all the cars that are certain to come out. At least during the warmer months I should be able to walk there as it is only a little over a mile from our house. And burning those calories walking will certainly negate whatever calories I take in with my latte. 

 I already have a plan for what I will be ordering. If it is Memorial Day and/or summer I will be getting my latte with a pump of coconut. Once Labor Day hits it's time for that pumpkin spice. After Thanksgiving and into the Christmas holidays it's that gingerbread spice latte. And once we get into the New Year and the colder months when I will not be able to walk to the coffee house, I'll be driving for a maple infused latte. I can't wait. 

 You happen to be in Monroe county, PA or more specifically Barrett township, PA later this year you must stop by. Trust me you'll be in for a treat. The Biscuit Coffeehouse is just another reason that I am blessed to be living in the Poconos.