Media Bean Company is quickly making its mark in Media not only for serving up a mean cup of coffee, but for its commitment to the community. Located at the former home of DiFabio’s 9th Street Catering on N. Providence Rd., the idea behind Media Bean is twofold: Create the perfect brew and bite while giving back to others.
Media Bean is a partnership between DiFabio’s owner, Frank Agovino, and Jim Wurster, cofounder of New Avenue Foundation, a nonprofit that helps people with disabilities find fulfilling, valuable employment, and also provides training. Wurster, who has a daughter with multiple diagnoses—including autism, cognitive deficits and bipolar disorder—is very active with local and regional groups, helping people with disabilities and their caregivers. With that mission in mind, Agovino and Wurster have hired adults with disabilities to roast the beans onsite.
“[People with disabilities] are truly a gift, and take pride in what they do. This is an awesome product because the employees care 100%,” Wurster said.
To help raise funds and awareness, Media Bean Company sells Our Community Cup Coffee. Grab a piping hot, freshly brewed cup while you dine or to go, take home a bag of beans and look for the coffee at farmers markets across the region. A portion of the proceeds go directly to New Avenue Foundation. From a straight-up cup of coffee to frappes and cappuccinos, all the drinks start with fair trade beans from South America and Africa.
If you fancy tea, Media Bean offers a variety of tea sachets to choose from, including dragon pearl jasmine, pomegranate oolong and chamomile.
If you’re hungry for a light bite, the freshly tossed salads are a great choice. The booster salad is a bed of fresh spinach mixed with roasted tomatoes, carrots, blueberries and sunflower seeds, and sprinkled with ground espresso beans.
Feeling fishy? The Charlie is a nice, light wrap stuffed with housemade tuna salad, fresh cucumbers and sliced carrots, plus heirloom tomatoes freshly picked from the garden out back!
If there’s a slight chill in the air, comfort food may be your choice du jour. Try the shareable plates, especially the baked mac and cheese with a panko crust—it’s savory, ooey-gooey and cheesy, with a little crunch on top. If you’re a brisket fan, the Nicky features brisket slow-smoked for 12 hours in-house. The melt-in-your-mouth meat is encrusted with a pepper blend rub and topped with a sweet homemade pickle tapenade.
If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, look no further. As soon as you walk through the doors, the scrumptious smell of fresh-baked goods welcomes you. A beautiful display case is filled with decadent housemade pastries, muffins, cakes, scones, pies, cookies and bread puddings—you never know what you’ll discover. If you crave salty stuff, definitely try the fresh-baked Bavarian soft pretzel. Media Bean also serves breakfast: pick up an egg sandwich on your choice of bread, with a variety of of meats and cheeses.
Planning a holiday party? Media Bean Company offers catering for breakfast and lunch, and takes orders for holiday pies as well as customized gift baskets of goodies.
So whether you’re just popping in to pick up your morning beverage or lunching with some friends, you’ll find Media Bean has a casual, comfy feel. It’s brightly lit, the team is friendly and accommodating and you can’t help but notice the colorful inspirational phrases painted on the walls. Couple that with a solid cup of joe, and you’re ready to go!
Media Bean offers free WiFi and is open Monday and Tuesday from 7 a.m–2 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday from 7 a.m.–6:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Follow its Facebook page to see the daily mouthwatering specials!
Find Media Bean Company at 1032 N. Providence Rd. in Media; phone: (610) 755-3559.
