Pressed Coffee & Books: Where History, Community, and Sustainable Coffee Converge.

Nestled in downtown Pottsville, Pennsylvania, Pressed Coffee & Books stands as a testament to the vision of Abby Weaver and her husband. Their shared love for exploration and the desire to establish a homegrown business led them to embark on a remarkable journey. In 2018, they acquired a historic building, setting the stage for their coffee shop venture.

This particular building holds significance beyond its historical charm—it was once the doctor's office of John O'Hara's father, a prominent author whose renowned works were set against the backdrop of Pottsville's Mahantango Street. Drawing inspiration from this literary connection, Abby Weaver envisioned a coffee shop that seamlessly integrated a community‑oriented bookstore, thereby creating a unique gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

Recognizing the distinctive tastes and preferences of their small town, Abby and her husband sought to provide a coffee experience that catered specifically to their community. While specialty coffee typically finds its footing in larger urban centers, the couple aimed to infuse their venture with a distinctive local vibe and a commitment to sustainability.

A traditional roaster posed numerous challenges, from costly code compliance requirements to limitations imposed by the historical nature of their building. However, an alternative solution emerged in the form of the all‑electric Bellwether Series 2 coffee roaster. This innovative device allowed them to roast small batches of coffee without compromising the integrity of their cherished historical space.

"We never would have, maybe in 10 years, considered a traditional roaster. Even then, there still would have been code issues which would have required a lot of money. It's not a cheap machine (the Bellwether Series 2), but it's still cheaper than all of the code stuff that you have to have up to spec. This building wouldn't have been able to handle it, because it is a historic building. And it wouldn't be safe because we are in a multi‑use building. All of those things come into play. It's just not capable to do that without something electric." ‑ Abby of Pressed Coffee & Books

Their coffee journey led them into the realm of specialty coffee, where they uncovered the intricate sourcing chain and the significance of fair prices for farmers. Armed with this newfound knowledge, they endeavored not only to offer exceptional coffee but also to educate their customers on the importance of supporting sustainable practices throughout the coffee industry.

Partnering with Bellwether Coffee profoundly influenced their sustainability initiatives. Bellwether believes that we can support long term economic health for farmers by paying coffee farmers equitable prices and investing in farm communities where we source coffee. Sustainble sourcing with Bellwether along with implementing measures to reduce waste and collaborating with local gardeners to repurpose coffee grounds, Pressed Coffee & Books began weaving environmental consciousness into their operations.

Despite the initial investment required for the Bellwether Series 2, beans, and packaging, the benefits soon became evident. Coffee sales soared as customers gravitated toward the allure of locally roasted coffee, handcrafted with care and expertise. Pressed Coffee & Books quickly established itself as a distinctive specialty coffee destination, offering a personalized and accessible experience that set them apart from the competition.

"We sell more coffee because it's made in store. We sell more coffee because our people are more passionate. We sell more coffee because it's branded for our community." ‑ Abby of Pressed Coffee & Books

With a small, dedicated team of five individuals—including a talented head roaster—Pressed Coffee & Books effectively managed their coffee roasting effort without having to grow their staff because of the simplicity of the Bellwether Series 2 roaster. The Series 2's intuitive interface and user‑friendly design made it both easy to operate and a seamless addition to their shop's daily processes.

Pressed Coffee & Books stands as a beacon of harmonious integration, where history, community, and sustainable coffee converge. Proudly contributing to Pottsville's dynamic landscape, the establishment captivates visitors with its rich flavors, captivating literature, and warm ambiance. It's an invitation to savor not just a cup of exceptional coffee, but an experience that embodies the essence of the local community.