FoJo Beans Prepares For Grand Opening with Teaser Event

FoJo+Beans+Prepares+For+Grand+Opening+with+Teaser+Event

Norwich-based coffee roaster and café FoJo Beans completed its move from Norwich to Hamilton with a one-day teaser opening on Sunday, January 20.

The teaser served as a chance for students and community members to taste FoJo Bean’s products. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., FoJo Beans sold hot brewed coffee for $1.50 a cup to customers with a Colgate ID and $2.50 a cup to customers without a Colgate ID. The storefront then closed in preparation for its soft and grand opening; FoJo Beans said it will host their soft opening late this week or early next week, and their grand opening on February 9.

On its Instagram account, FoJo Beans describes itself as a “small-batch, artisan coffee roaster.” Named the 2013 Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year by the Chenango County Chamber of Commerce, FoJo Beans was co-founded by Dan Joseph and Dan Foust in 2012. It has expanded across central New York by selling at the Cazenovia, Oneida County and Fayetteville farmers markets. Though the storefront in Hamilton is new, FoJo Bean products have been sold in the past at Hamilton Whole Foods and Maxwell’s Chocolates and Ice Cream.

The 10 Utica St. property is owned by the Hamilton Initiative, a subsidiary of Colgate that aims to cultivate the growth and development of Hamilton and revitalize the town. The Hamilton Initiative has bought and restored several buildings in the historic district, investing almost $30 million since 2000.

Part of the space in FoJo Beans is dedicated toward educating customers. Customers will have the opportunity to learn more about the roasting process by tasting different flavors and making their own blends.

Junior Mike Minsch expressed his appreciation for the new café.

“The coffee has a full body taste and a rich aroma,” Minsch said. “It beats any coffee around.”

FoJo Beans offers loose teas and specialty-grade coffee to customers. Coffee is differentiated by the water, grind, dosage and brew method used. The menu includes a selection of teas and baked goods from local farmers markets as well as a smaller selection of goods made onsite.

Contact Celine Turkyilmaz at [email protected] and Michael Tom and [email protected]