A dream is brewing within the burgeoning borough of Downingtown. Exactly 40 miles equidistant between Lancaster and Philadelphia (there’s an official-looking carved stone marker in the front of the property that says so), the constructive cries of hammers, powersaws and generators announce the vision of Dana and Pete Petrizzio as it begins to percolate into reality. An initial venture into the world of caffeine, The Farmhouse Coffee and Espresso Bar is fast becoming a valuable part of the changing horizon of Lancaster Avenue and will open sometime in the fall.
“I remember several years ago,” sighs Dana nostalgically, “when I would frequent Rosalina’s coffee shop in South Philly. I would love how it was full of conversation, laughter and community. I remember thinking that someday I wanted to create that type of environment. I grew up in a large Italian family. Everything was based around coffee and cake, ya know? That’s what Pete and I want for this area. Downingtown can use a place where families and couples can hang out—where businesspeople can go to escape the office, conduct a meeting, interview a client or just work on a project and answer emails.” That someday is today.
It’s crazy how the busy young couple juggle everything with three children—newbie Justin just born over two months ago, 3-year-old PJ and Alexis, 10. Dad Pete has a daytime job as well but is a constant presence at Farmhouse concerning budget, construction and adherence to a timeline. The couple (who are grateful for family who assist) seem to have a professional pattern of determination, consistency—and energy. (Dana hints that all the coffee-tasting required for this type of venture doesn’t hurt either.)
Dana’s face lights up as she shares highlights as we tour through the 3,800-square-foot renovation of tossed nails, newly installed large windows and sawdust. Her Italian heritage comes naturally as she waves her hands like a conductor, pointing to the position of the kitchen, the various coffee bar areas, the fireplace and the barn doors that will serve as a gateway to private meeting space—replete with audiovisual equipment and projection screen.
Her focused eyes squint with vision as she points to where banks of comfy benches and several intimate seating areas will reside. Knotted wood, wall art and authentic lighting will also provide a rustic home-like feel to the open space. “We want people to stick around and enjoy the goods, of course, but we also want to encourage those grab-and-go customers too (did we mention a drive-through window?). We’re practically across the street from the train station, so it makes sense for commuters to begin the day right,” she adds.
Avid supporter Mayor Josh Maxwell reassures, “Farmhouse is what every up-and-coming community needs—a coffeehouse with space to meet or grab a delicious snack. We are so excited to have them as they continue the positive trend of increased private investment into our community,”
The Petrizzios insist on utilizing local coffee roasters. In addition to espressos and lattes, Dana is thrilled about adding a fountain soda machine and is also looking forward to introducing authentic Italian cream sodas and steamers to Downingtown. Staples like cookies and muffins will be baked in-house—with specialty items like croissants and danishes coming from someone local. Community partnerships are important to this team of entrepreneurs as well as they consider possible catering options for events, parties, and business meetings.
Eventually, small scale live music and perhaps open-mic nights are in the wings, “but we want to focus on getting this place up and running before we think that far ahead,” Dana mentions, as she hands me a smartly wrapped package of chocolate chip cookies with the logo and brand of The Farmhouse Coffee and Espresso Bar. I can tell from the stylish presentation—and the soft melt-in-your-mouth taste—that the borough of Downingtown is in for an eye-opening experience.
The Farmhouse Coffee and Espresso Bar will be located at 115 W. Lancaster Ave. in Downingtown. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest updates.
- Photos: Ed Williams
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