Before the Reading Coffee Company opened its flagship cafe on 316 W. Main St. in Birdsboro, you might have thought they already had one.
But while the concept of the cafe has been in the works since September 2019 when Frank Orman and his business partner and cousin, Kevin Orman, bought the business, the pandemic put a stop to the plans.
“Our immediate thought when we took over was to renovate the building and open a cafe,” says Frank. “Everyone assumed we had a cafe anyway…We got through our first holiday season; I was very happy about buying the business, and then COVID-19 hit in March of 2020. To say the business was devastated is an understatement.”
A vast majority of their business came from offices and restaurants, all of which closed. The eCommerce website was their lifeline. Customers ordered online, and then Orman and his team served them in the parking lot.
Five years later, you can enjoy a full-fledged retail store and roastery facility, which houses the cafe. When you walk in, you are immediately met with the smell of coffee followed by the first view of comfy seating near the indoor fireplace. Its industrial yet cozy atmosphere is inviting.
Several shelves line the entryway and provide the first look at select coffee and coffee technology.
Around the corner is a fully stocked retail space featuring more than 90 flavors of coffee as well as a variety of gifts. As you continue through the retail area, you’ll arrive at the counter where you can order an array of freshly roasted coffees, including espresso drinks, pour-over options and cold brew, or choose from the rotating seasonal drinks. While you wait for your order, you can see how the coffee is roasted in real time and prepared through glass windows.
“All of our equipment is the latest and greatest in the specialty coffee industry,” says Orman. “We’re constantly looking for equipment that optimizes brewing as well as extraction methods from a standpoint of grinding as well as any other tips, tricks and methods to get the most out of the coffee bean.”
As you continue to the other end of the counter while your drink is being made, you are met with more comfy seating options, high ceilings and large glass windows with a view of the outdoor patio, which offers seating options as well. You can’t miss the Instagram-worthy Reading Coffee Company neon sign framed by the leafy green backdrop and the matching “Treat Yourself” neon sign near the counter.
Carlino’s Market, owned by Orman’s husband, Nick Carlino, also supplies gourmet food menu items, including a variety of baked goods, breakfast items, salads, soups and more. After enjoying your beverage and food, you can even browse the wine shop curated by Orman and Carlino before heading out. It features exclusive international wines from Italy, Argentina and France.
“To say I did not think we’d be here is pretty accurate,” says Orman. “I’m thrilled that we have a space that’s finally finished for the community to enjoy and to showcase our wonderful products. Now, I’m looking toward how we are going to expand and continually improve our product.”
Fun Facts
Book Your Next Event.
Many Berks County organizations have already taken advantage of the new location for corporate events and meetings. The cafe can be booked during or after regular business hours. Call 610.582.2243.
A Caffeinated Christmas is happening Saturday, Dec. 7 and will feature Santa, giveaways, local vendors and more. Visit readingcoffee.com for more details and events.
