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Community Corner

Coffee Roaster Changes Ownership and Name; Steaming Bean Keeps Brewing

A nearly 40-year-old coffee shop quietly changes hands but not its fresh roasted quality.

It's still the only coffee roaster in town, so a new owner and a name change hasn't stopped customers from grabbing a brew at The Steaming Bean at 118 South Main St.

was an established in 1972, making it the oldest coffee shop in town. Now, the same fresh roasted coffee is served up at The Steaming Bean in a corner shop across from Town Hall.

“When I had heard the business was sold, I was pretty nervous because I love coming here, but I really haven’t noticed much of a difference. If anything I like it better now,” said former Cheshire resident Taryn Welker.

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New owner Lisa Parker bought the business in December after trying to purchase it a few years ago.

“I was friends with the previous owners and I had wanted to buy the first time around but it was just wrong timing. It was a special moment when I was finally able to acquire the business,” said Parker.

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Parker has not changed the business too much; she still serves breakfast items such as pastries, muffins, and bagels, but The Steaming Bean now serves gelato as well.

They have also extended their hours for the summer. It is now open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday- Friday, and on the weekends from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

“The extended summer hours and adding gelato now to the menu, has made us not just busy in the mornings but in the evenings as well,” said employee Natalie Magioncalda.

Magioncalda believes there is a reason why the business has remained successful.

“I really like how we roast our own coffee. It gives it a really fresh taste that I don’t find in most places,” said Magioncalda.

One of the biggest challenges that Parker faces is attracting customers to the somewhat hidden location. The business is located in the Cheshire Center building, in the rear lower level that is not visible from South Main Street.

“That has been one of the best parts about owning this business. Is trying to get the town more aware with our challenging location,” said Parker.

“This is my first time here, and I got a delicious Kona Mocha. I will definitely be coming back. It already came recommended by my mom,” said Cheshire resident Emily Roberts

“I would say the hardest part with owning this business is trying to balance my family life, with my work life,” said Parker.

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