Some things need to brew a bit before we can taste the rewards, and Dana and Pete Petrizzio are finally brewing the perfect java here in Downingtown. We informed you last year that the building was available and a vision was percolating. The path was a challenging one with a few major structural construction gaffes, but the tenacious duo persevered and The Farmhouse Coffee and Espresso Bar is just days from opening.
“I’ve been wanting this dream to be realized, but more importantly, I wanted it done right,” says Dana. “Authenticity is very important to me. I want Farmhouse Coffee and Espresso Bar to look as though it’s been at this spot all the time.” As jack-of-all-trades husband Pete can attest, the place is ready for business, and that is one seriously shining achievement.
The cafe space is barn-like with tons of natural light, high ceilings, ornaments (from D-town’s own Creekside Antiques) and authentic barnwood touches. The result is a winning combination: Euro-cafe meets Chester County farmhouse. A locally crafted, hand-hewn table leads the eye to the white marble coffee counter where Dana installed a custom-colored farmhouse red La Marzocco espresso machine.
The stylish farmhouse red accent color flows evenly through the space; even the door is painted the trademark shade. Dana collaborated with Hilary O’Connell of Isabella Sparrow in Chestnut Hill to get walls and cozy spots looking sharp. “I am so geometric,” Dana admits, “and Hilary is good at showing me how to get things right spatially while stepping out of my comfort zone.”
A well-positioned electric fireplace flanked with oversized chairs beacons lazy day readers in the 60-seat cafe. Behind sliding barn doors waits a private state-of-the-art meeting/conference room (seats about 18 and sports a TV and printer), a perfect spot for work gatherings. “We wanted a meeting place for the residents of Downingtown. We love this area and have received so much positive feedback from the community,” exclaims Dana. “We can’t wait to get started!”
Dana promises a focused food menu of “cafe-style” snacks. Her signature chocolate chip cookies, perfectly crunchy and gooey, vow to mesmerize the masses. Scones, muffins, brownies and crostata (small sweet and savory pies), as well as daily specials, will be crafted and baked onsite. A brief tour of the large, organized kitchen shows shiny new ovens, refrigerators and cake racks, while commercial-sized sugar and spice and everything niceties are stacked with precision.
The chalkboard signage (hand-done by a neighbor who lives three block away) touts the inspired list of espresso, macchiato and drip pours using Lancaster-based Square One Coffee Roasters. On the non-coffee side, the Petrizzios have cranked things up a notch with seasonal Italian sodas (blackberry, watermelon and peach) and MEM loose leaf teas. For a caffeinated treat on a sweltering day, scoops of Bassetts Ice Cream create a sweet, creamy base for the Italian specialty affogato: ice cream “drowned” in espresso.
The exterior of the building is just as attractive, with custom rustic signage and plenty of pretty red seating to watch and wave at people and cars going by. Conveniently located just steps from the Downingtown train station, a grab-and-go drive-thru window is also prepped for those who need their commute fix.
Dana and Pete’s energy is contagious even without caffeine (though as parents to three young ones, coffee is essential), but it’s exciting to see the mutual admiration and participation between the community and these new business owners finally taking flight.
The soft opening is scheduled for 7 a.m–2 p.m this Thursday through Saturday (June 29 to July 1) to “work out the kinks,” as Dana notes on their website. All are invited, just bring patience.
Be sure to like their Facebook page and follow them on Instagram @farmhousecoffeebar for the latest information, events and pics of all the goodies.
The Farmhouse Coffee and Espresso Bar is located at 115 W. Lancaster Ave. in Downingtown; phone: (610) 269-1400.
- Photos: Ed Williams
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