Come for the Coffee Stay for Community

Brian and Danielle Kermizian

Photos by Dan Epstein

Whether you want to work out, hang out, work on your computer, or just relax, you can do it all at The Compound, a Veronabased business that combines a fitness studio with a coffee bar. Customers flock from Montclair, Cedar Grove, the Caldwells and the surrounding areas to be a part of the community this unique business creates.

Danielle Kermizian, entrepreneur and owner along with her husband Brian, dreamt up this business combining a love of coffee with their passion for fitness and wellness. “My husband and I are always looking for cool coffee bars and after opening the studio, we found we had the space—why not open a coffee bar and combine the two,” she says.

“We thought we could create community where people could meet friends, hang out and network.” So far, the combination has been successful. “This is not a place where you grab coffee and go,” she says. “It truly has become a community.”

Initially founded two years ago as a personal training studio, the fitness area within the 3,000-sq.-ft. space houses training equipment—everything from cardio machines, workout and cable machines, to free weights and kettlebells. Brian, with more than 25 years as a personal trainer specializing in corrective exercise, sports performance and rehabilitation, works with clients along with our head trainer, Chris Lee, and other instructors, while Danielle offers classes during the week. “The broad focus is high intensity interval training (HIIT),” Danielle says, “and strength and conditioning, with an emphasis on stretching and recovery.”

The coffee bar offers high-end coffee made from premium Counter Culture Coffee beans and provides a full range of drinks from lattes, cappuccinos and their signature iced coffee “flash brew”—as well as healthy smoothies, all made from high quality ingredients. Also, muffins and other treats, in addition to vegan and gluten-free varieties, are on the menu, which changes seasonally.

But if there’s one thing clients overwhelmingly love, it’s the ambience. The décor’s bohemian coastal vibe stretches throughout the compound to include its library lounge area and indoor/ outdoor café and is available for events. Wherever you go, there’s a good vibe. Drop by and catch it.

The Compound

271 Grove Avenue, Bldg. C, Verona 973-601-2570 www.thecompoundnj.com