8 minute read
NEW IN THE ROC
{ NEW IN THE ROC } YOU ARE ENOUGH. NEUTRAL GROUND COFFEEHOUSE
BY NICOLE HEROUX WILLIAMS I PHOTOS BY NSP STUDIO PHOTOS BY MICHELE ASHLEE
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Neutral Ground Coffeehouse is a simple concept really, we strive to provide a great product in a beautiful setting and location, all with a big ol’ smile on our faces. We love it here, we love this community, the other local businesses surrounding us, we love dogs, we love bicycles, joggers, walkers, kids, and of course the historic Erie Canal.
We also focus on partnering with local family-owned businesses with high-quality, unique offerings, supporting our local economy and keeping it all close to home.
Neutral Ground thrives on ”everybody is welcome, let’s all keep it neutral” with all kinds of positive vibes here in Pittsford, it’s where people can meet in the middle. We want our customers to use our place to meet with friends, family, neighbors or colleagues and always feel welcome. We plan on becoming a cornerstone of the community so help us make that dream a reality. A simple concept really…
Recently Rochester Woman Online had the pleasure to sit down with Marianne Warfle and talk about opening the new coffeehouse, being a female entrepreneur (or business person in general), community support and so much more! The event venue space is truly beautiful and been a labor of love for Warfle, and we are so excited to not only be showcasing this new business, but also want you to come and join us as we team up with Neutral Ground on Thursday, May 26th from 5-9pm for a POP UP Launch Party on the Canal.
Tell us about a little about yourself and what made you decide to open Neutral Ground Coffeehouse in Pittsford, NY.
Life threw me some curveballs a few years ago, and I knew when I was on the other side of them I needed to totally refocus on myself, which I hadn’t done in years. My whole career has been spent making others successful, in printing, advertising, the restaurant industry, even as a marina manager, and I have always put my heart and soul into everything I tackle. Sometimes to a fault, I have volunteered time as president of a business association, started a farmers market, been on boards, the list goes on and on (and on!). This premier location in Pittsford was just the right place to do something for myself and my soul, I love this area, and my vision for a coffeehouse and venue space seemed to really fit in here.
What is the mission behind starting this business, and how did you come up with the name?
Neutral Ground is actually a historic term still used in New Orleans, referring to common areas such as grassy medians between streets where people of all classes, races, religions etc. would meet to trade goods. Locations where all were welcome, where people would “meet in the middle” without judgement, agendas, or opinions. This is the whole concept behind Neutral Ground Coffeehouse. We welcome and love everybody, and have created a cozy place for folks to meet their friends, family, colleagues, and feel comfortable and a part of the Neutral Ground family.
How do you find the products you use?
I do everything in my power to source my products from local family-owned businesses. We small business owners need to support each other and keep the profits here in our region. My coffee is roasted in Geneva, my ice
cream is made in Ithaca, my breads, pastries and bagels are all from right here Rochester. I am always encouraged by consumers who recognize the importance of supporting local and patronizing the little guys, the big box places have enough money that often leaves our region anyways.
If you could pick just one “must have” on your menu what would it be and why?
Oh geez, that’s a tough one. We have an amazing breakfast chowder that our regulars crave, amazing breakfast sandwiches that we serve all day, and of course our coffee people are raving about. Chili? A cronut? Avocado toast? Don’t make me pick Kelly!
How did you decide on the decor, especially on your venue space?
The venue side deco is really a shout out to my Mom, one of the most creative people ever. She was and art teacher her whole career and could pick up an old chair on the side of the road and refurbish it into some beautiful. She loved the Impressionist Masters: Renoir, Van Gogh, Monet, and Neutral Ground on the Canal features some of their art and the French country provincial style Mom loved. I owe a lot to her and channeled here every day while designing the interior here, she is definitely felt here and think she would be proud.
What hoops did you have to jump through from deciding to open the business, selecting the location to actually opening?
Ha, there was a lot of hoops, the biggest was finding the nerve to actually do it, especially during a pandemic. It was a huge personal investment, a total lifestyle change, and a big responsibility to take over a prime location and do it “Pittsfordworthy”. The location was a no-brainer, its perfect here and if it wasn’t for this location I don’t think I would have done it. Getting equipment was a challenge and caused a lot of delays, Covid was full-on and scary, and doing most of the work myself with the help of family was exhausting. Permits, contractors, vendors, staffing, oh there were many hoops, so many hoops.
What is your why? Why did you open a coffeehouse? Why do you do what you do?
Ah, the age-old question, why. I had so many days second guessing myself, I called them my WTF moments, and there were a lot of them. But I needed to do something that I was in complete control of at this stage in my life, and create a business that was a reflection of me, nobody else. Friends and family provided a lot of input and I will be forever grateful, but at the end of the day Neutral Ground reflects me and what I am about. I have always been a doer, but always contributing to somebody else’s success, to the point of sometimes just being stupid. This feels good that this is mine to succeed or fail.
Do you feel your products resonate with customers, and why?
I’m all about quality, not quantity. My menu is simple with very high quality ingredients, and I honestly think people appreciate that. I often feel there are too many choices out there in life, if you can make several things exceptional, instead of a ton of things just good, your in such a better place to succeed and keeps customers coming back.
What have you found to be the most successful avenue in marketing your business?
Word of mouth, hands down. People leave here after a great experience and share it out there through many avenues. It is sooooo appreciated.
What is some of the best business advice you have ever received that you live by today?
A dear boss from years ago in the peak of my career was a firm believer in saving money for the future, investing in your retirement, starting at a young age. Most people in their 20’s and 30’s don’t think about things like that, 401k’s, IRA’s etc., but I am so grateful for his advice, it has helped me be able to take this leap. A small financial sacrifice when your young if managed right makes a huge different.
What would you say truly excites you about what you do?
The people, the kids, the dogs that thank me for opening Neutral Ground. Folks really love the feel of the place, the food, the coffee, the staff for which I am so proud of. It never gets old hearing all the positive reinforcement, so keep it coming!
Not well, just yet. My mind is always thinking about improvements, events, ways I can support the community, ways I can improve the customer experience, the list goes on. But when you love what you do, proud of what you accomplished it is so different than “working for the man”. Yes, Neutral Ground is my life right now, but it’s getting less and less stressful as I work through each little challenge that presents itself.
What are you planning for Neutral Ground?
Oh boy, so many ideas! I am waiting for my beer/wine license to be approved (ugh), we will be extending our hours at least on the weekends when the weather breaks, and plan to host some live music maybe one night a week, craft fairs, and some other special events like murder mystery dinners, holiday brunches, etc. All the local businesses here in Northfield Common want to team up for some events as well, it’s going to be a great summer!
