Although they have been operating for several months, Calm Waters Coffee held their official grand opening on South State Street in Newtown Borough Saturday morning.
With a packed house, co-owners Andrew Dittman and Jeremy Keating joined with their families, the Newtown Business Association, State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, and borough officials to cut the ribbon on the popular coffee spot.
The shop in Newtown Borough is the small business’ second location. Their first shop is on Mill Street in Bristol Borough and has been open for eight years.
Calm Waters Coffee replaced The Coffee Room, which was owned by Raj and Margaret Kumar and closed last August when they sold to Calm Waters Coffee.
Dittman and Keating said the expansion to Newtown Borough from Bristol Borough was “organic” and the two shops compliment one another.
Credit: Tom Sofield/NewtownPANow.com
“We have been big believers over the past few years of manufacturing our success,” Keating said. “We’re not necessarily waiting for somebody to come along to take us to whatever that next thing is, but we feel like it’s important to respond to things that really resonate people.”
By all appearances on Saturday, Calm Waters Coffee has resonated with customers as nearly every seat in the shop was taken and numerous people were purchasing cups of coffee to go.
Dittman said Calm Waters Coffee, which also operates Calm Waters Roasters, has pastries and numerous types of coffee available.
“Here in Newtown we have a very similar offering as to what we have in Bristol,” he said. “We are planning some things that are special, but as for the drinks, Newtown and Bristol are identical. As far as how our baristas are trained and our coffee, Newtown and Bristol are identical.”
Dittman said Calm Waters Coffee has focused on customer experience and knowing their patrons on a personal level.
Newtown Business Association President Dave Marcolla said eateries and coffee shops help anchor business districts and provide sustenance as people go shop to shop.
“Calm Waters is carrying on the tradition here in the heart of Newtown,” he said, adding the location provides a nice space for families to gather.
Dittman and Keating said they sell coffee wholesale to a growing number of eateries and stores in Bucks County. They also provide the coffee served at the Philadelphia 76ers training facility, helping fuel the NBA team.
As for future expansion, Calm Waters Coffee is looking to stay put in Bristol Borough and Newtown Borough, but they won’t rule out future expansion if it makes sense.
