Melissa Velazquez, a resident of Abington Township, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for a new coffee shop called Peg’s Coffee at the Ardsley train station, 2617 Jenkintown Road.
Velazquez is looking to host fundraisers, outreach initiatives, classes, and workshops with area residents, as well as provide a space for local crafters to sell their items and have pop-up markets.
She says that a commercial lease for the location has been secured. The GoFundMe’s contributions will be used to purchase an espresso machine, an oven, renovations, and furniture, as well as obtain state licensure, an insurance policy, and inventory.
From the campaign’s description:
Ardsley, PA is a tight-knit community just outside of Philadelphia that is severely lacking small businesses to help improve the neighborhood. My proposed location, 2617 Jenkintown Rd, doesn’t have a single coffee shop within a one mile radius in any direction. My intention is to open a coffee shop that becomes a community staple, and provides a welcoming and safe place for our residents and those visiting.
I am a newer Ardsley resident of the past few years, but it’s always been a place close to my heart. In 2020 I had the opportunity to move in with my grandmother, Peg Herman, to her home of over 50 years on Monroe Ave, where she raised my mom. I became part of a community for the first time in my life, and am now raising my own children here. My business will be named in her honor – Peg’s Coffee.
With over 10 years in the restaurant industry, 5 managing a small market, and 4 studying mental health; my project will be a successful, dynamic business that has the capability of impacting the lives of Ardsley residents now and future. We will be doing fundraisers, outreach, classes, and workshops with members of the community. Local crafters will have an opportunity to sell their items at our location, and also have pop-up markets.
Peg’s will make money by sourcing local, quality ingredients and transforming them into delicious food and drink. We will also sell snacks, coffee related accessories, and local crafts and art. Our target customers will be community members, train commuters, families, and teens. We will have extended hours Thursday through Saturday, where our customers can join us for games, music, and desserts.
My business has an edge over competitors due to my motivation and drive to create a business that not only serves my community, but brings a sense of revitalization to a neighborhood that has raised my family for generations. My business will outperform its predecessors in this neighborhood due to my increased business hours, fresh and clean new branding, and community involvement.
To start my business I am asking for $15,000. I have secured the commercial lease with funds from my savings, but it is not enough. I will use funds to purchase an espresso machine, an oven, to update the building, and purchase furniture. Funds will also be used to obtain state licensure to serve food and beverages, obtain an insurance policy, and secure inventory.
Thank you for your time. Any donation helps, big or small. Advice, wisdom, suggestions, and conversation are always open. Thank you!
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Photo: GoFundMe