A friend introduced me to the Rochester Public Market about 35 years ago. I fell in love, as so many do. Before long, I knew I wanted to be part of the Public Market. Our first stop every Sat. was the coffee lady; one day she told us her family was moving out of town for her husband’s new job.

I already loved coffee - my ears perked up and the rest is history! Summer of ‘91, I took over from Wendy, who had taken over from Barbara, who had taken over from the founder, Harvey. ‘Near as anybody can tell, this is the oldest gourmet coffee shop in Rochester.

Twenty eight years later, everyone knows me as The Coffee Lady (regardless of my business name), and I am their first stop. Other places at The Public Market sell coffee, but I sell great coffee!

At heart, I am an Essential Service, Caffeinating for the Greater Good. Summers, I set up an iced coffee & lemonade bar outside. When it’s 0° in February, don’t buy lettuce out in the sheds, but I’m inside with fresh hot coffee! And year ’round, I can send you home with a bag of great coffee, to brew and enjoy the rest of the week, either whole bean or custom ground to your coffee maker or brewing technique.

I love interacting with my customers – getting to know not only their order, but about their life and family as well. I’ve seen their kids grow up and come to Market as shoppers themselves!

I love the Rochester Public Market, and being part of a unique enterprise - I wouldn’t want a traditional storefront. I love Coffee, and I love providing a high quality product at a reasonable price, with highly personalized customer service!