Lauren and Juan Vargas want to make “Going Nowhere” a special part of your routine. Enjoy cozy vibes, specialty brews and delicious food items at both coffee shop locations.
Lauren & Juan Vargas
Owners
Describe the journey that led you to launching Nowhere Coffee Co.
The years leading up to the pandemic had been hectic—we were both working stressful corporate jobs with significant travel requirements while raising three kids. When COVID-19 hit, our attempts to balance family, work, physical and mental health proved unsustainable and our systems broke down. We were running and running and not going anywhere. Something had to give. For us, that meant career changes. We had been on the road to nowhere. We chose to make nowhere, somewhere.
As the pandemic drew to a close and people began venturing out again, we saw people looking for places to come together in person. That’s when Nowhere Coffee Co. was born. We wanted to create a space that invited people to just enjoy the present moment in a welcoming, warm environment. We opened our first location just as the world was waking up from its COVID hibernation, and “Going Nowhere” quickly became part of everyone's new routines.
How has Nowhere been welcomed by the community?
We want to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected and valued. We’ve been thrilled to see the mixed representation of all types of individuals in our stores. It feels that our community has welcomed us with open arms. Every day we meet new neighbors, locals and passers-through who seem to greet us and our mission with enthusiasm and joy.
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What are some of your most popular offerings?
Whole Lotta Lav consistently tops the charts but recently Turn Back Time and Maple Spice Up Your Life have been big hits. We have some delicious cold brew and cold foam specials and a pretty extensive loose-leaf tea selection. We’ve got fresh-from-the-oven bagels every day and our crustless quiche, the Grateful Egg, with no gluten. The Hall and Oatsmeal is a baked pumpkin oatmeal sweetened with maple syrup. It's vegan and contains no gluten. We are focusing on expanding our food options in the next few months.
What would you say it is that sets Nowhere apart from other coffee shops?
We are friendly and accessible. We offer a variety of options that make this an easy place to spend time with your friends. If you are a coffee connoisseur or a novice or even a non-coffee drinker, we have something on our menu for you to enjoy. We support a wide variety of dietary preferences with our menu. We offer baked goods without gluten, vegan and vegetarian breakfast options, and full gluten and butter Italian pastries as well.
Tell us about your new location in Emmaus! What plans are there for additional locations?
Opening two stores in six months was not part of the original plan, but without risk, there is no reward. Our customers in the West End almost immediately began telling us that we needed to open a spot in Emmaus. In early summer, we were approached and asked to take over a move-in-ready space in the heart of Emmaus. Of course, we said yes.
The South Mountain location has a huge fireplace and picturesque windows that overlook Main Street. Sitting in the space on a Sunday, you see families and dogs walking up and down the street to the farmers' market. Beyond our doors there is a small community of independent businesses including book stores, jewelry stores, candy stores, crystal shops, wellness centers and beauty salons. The Emmaus Main Street partners are so active with festivals and events—it seems there is always something happening in Triangle Park. It’s been great to become part of this new community. Main Street Emmaus is a hidden gem!
What is a drink that readers have to try this winter?
This year’s winter drinks feature syrups crafted in house. The first is called Vanilla Spice Spice Baby. It is a vanilla and cinnamon latte that features our homemade Madagascar vanilla syrup and our new cinnamon syrup, topped with vanilla powder. The second is called Sgt. Peppermint’s Lonely Mocha Latte and features our classic Dutch mocha and new peppermint syrup.
3127 Tilghman St., Allentown | 318 Main St., Emmaus | nowherecoffeeco.com
Published as "Get the Goods" in the January 2023 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
