Laura Halleman When Barb Reibsome Michna first envisioned opening a coffee shop in Hopewell, she turned to the community to gauge interest. Was there a need for a local coffee shop, and would people trade the familiar chain coffee shops for a hometown favorite?
The response was a resounding yes.
Now celebrating its fourth anniversary, A’Brewed Awakening has become a welcome gathering spot for locals and newcomers alike.
“I thought it was a great idea. Lots of people told me we needed a coffee shop here,” Michna told VSN. “I’m so happy about the community’s reaction. Everyone seems to love it. It’s a place where people can come, meet friends and hang out.”
A’Brewed Awakening has evolved over the years from serving coffee, specialty drinks, and donuts to offering an expanded menu that includes handcrafted specialty beverages, fresh-brewed teas, smoothies, and the increasingly popular dirty sodas.
“We can pretty much make anything a customer wants,” Michna said.
The menu also features homemade burritos, wraps, and bagel sandwiches, along with freshly baked muffins, scones, and cookies. Even the pumpkin sauce used in their seasonal drinks is made from scratch. And this time of year, customers can get ready for the holidays by pre-ordering one of their homemade pumpkin rolls.
The coffee shop welcomes each holiday with specialty drinks for the occasion. October specials include pumpkin cheesecake Frappuccino, franken matcha and phantom fluff.
“We also name drinks after the high school plays and musicals and give back some profits to them,” Michna said.
Repeat customer Jon Sadenwasser appreciates the affordability of items.
“I just moved here in May, and I would go to Starbucks but prices here are so much better. She keeps everything really low price wise. I love the selection of breakfast sandwiches. And the staff is so nice,” he said.
They also hold various events such as open mic night, which is held every second Thursday of the month.
“It’s a good time for people to come out and drink coffee or they can bring their own alcohol. Just sit around and listen to music. It’s really fun,” said Michna.
Giving back to the community is another important part of what makes A’Brewed Awakening special. The coffee shop regularly lends a helping hand by supporting fundraisers for Hopewell schools and hosting food donation drives to support local food pantries.
Stay tuned for what’s next at A’Brewed Awakening, as plans are in the works for a mobile coffee trailer that would bring their favorite drinks and treats to school events and other community functions.
