It was never a question if Twin Valley Coffee would reopen at its original location along Route 23 in Caernarvon Township, Berks County. Only when and how.
The coffee roaster, which began selling its popular drinks in 2006, held a grand opening at its Main Street Café location Friday and Saturday, welcoming back members of a community that has stood by the business through thick and thin.
They called the celebration a homecoming weekend.
“The community that supported us at the gazebo was one hundred percent expecting that we’d be back here at some point,” said Robyn Saunders, CEO of Twin Valley Coffee and a daughter of Lynn and Lynne Burkholder, founders and owners. “There were a lot of challenges, but here we are.”
Twin Valley Coffee reopened at its original location, 4043 Main St. in Caernarvon Township, Berks County. This photo shows customers ordering coffee drinks on Friday, June 12, during Twin Valley’s grand opening weekend. (BILL UHRICH/MEDIANEWS GROUP)
The Main Street Café
The new café, located between Morgantown and Elverson, includes a drive-through, off-street parking and indoor and outdoor seating. The original gazebo was built into the design and serves as a familiar landmark for customers.
The company’s first café constructed from the ground up, the building was designed by Mark C. Myers Architects, Downingtown, in collaboration with D. Howe & Son Construction Inc., Wagontown, Chester County.
A view of Twin Valley Coffee’s Main Street Café in Caernarvon Township, Berks County. This photo shows the new building, which incorporates the original structure – a gazebo, into the property. (BILL UHRICH/MEDIANEWS GROUP)
Saunders had nothing but praise for the design and construction of the Main Street Café, noting the property dimensions are tight with no room for expansion.
“Someone should get an award for the land management on that property,” she said.
The new location, 4043 Main St., is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Sunday.
Twin Valley Coffee has reopened at its original location on Main Street in Caernarvon Township, Berks County. The Main Street Café hosted a homecoming weekend June 12 and 13 to mark its grand opening. (BILL UHRICH/MEDIANEWS GROUP)
The Backstory
Twin Valley Coffee got its start in 2005 when the Burkholders were given a bag of freshly roasted coffee beans.
Tea drinkers previously, the couple was so taken with the coffee that Lynne Burkholder decided to try roasting beans himself.
Using what he had, a hot air popcorn maker, he experimented until finally satisfied with the process.
“My dad has always been very entrepreneurial and loves a challenge,” explained Nicole Weisman, marketing director and another daughter of Lynn and Lynne Burkholder. “He wasn’t going to give up until he got those beans right.”
Bags of Twin Valley Coffee on display at Twin Valley Coffee’s new Main Street Café in Caernarvon Township, Berks County. (BILL UHRICH/MEDIANEWS GROUP)
The couple procured a commercial roaster and set up shop at the former Elverson Farmers Market in 2006. Shortly after, they built a stand from which to sell coffee in front of their home, which was located on the property of the newly opened Main Street Café.
The stand was replaced with a gazebo, which soon became a beloved community gathering place renowned for its signature drink, a cold brew with a caramel drizzle and cream of your choosing, known as the Iced Toddy.
As it did for so many, the COVID pandemic derailed the Burkholders’ plans in 2020 when the gazebo was forced to shut down.
Fortunately, however, they had by that time opened a location in the Shady Maple Farm Market in East Earl Township, Lancaster County, which included a walk-up window.
“That window was a last-minute decision, but it turned out to be a good one,” Weisman said. “We were very thankful for that because it allowed us to stay open during COVID.”
From One Retail Location to Five — and Counting
In addition to the Main Street and Shady Maple locations, Twin Valley Coffee operates cafés and retail locations in River Station in Downingtown; West Chester; and Eagleview Town Center in Uwchlan Township — all in Chester County.
The company, which employs about 120 people, also operates a production facility in Caernarvon Township where the coffee beans are roasted, the cold brew brewed and coffee distributed to wholesale customers.
Customers at Twin Valley Coffee’s grand opening ‘homecoming weekend’ celebration on Friday, June 12 (BILL UHRICH/MEDIANEWS GROUP)
According to Saunders, the company expects to continue adding retail locations while building its wholesale distribution. The business plan has changed since the company opened but its mission remains the same.
“The original intent was to sell great roasted coffee, primarily to wholesale customers,” Saunders explained. “But sales at the gazebo performed better than expected and it was clear that we needed to get into retail, as well.”
While not looking at building another free-standing shop like the Main Street location, the company anticipates leasing additional space in existing buildings to sell its coffee.
“Our plans have changed over the years as the business has grown, but our goal of being a great place to work and a great place to come for the best coffee experience has always been the same,” Saunders said.
A gazebo offers a play space at Twin Valley Coffee’s new Main Street Café near Elverson. The Gazebo – which was the company’s original location, has been incorporated into the new property. (BILL UHRICH/MEDIANEWS GROUP)
Customers at Twin Valley Coffee’s new Main Street Café in Caernarvon Township, Berks County, order coffee drinks during the grand opening ‘homecoming weekend’ celebration on Friday, June 12.(BILL UHRICH/MEDIANEWS GROUP)
Customers at Twin Valley Coffee’s grand opening ‘homecoming weekend’ celebration on Friday, June 12 (BILL UHRICH/MEDIANEWS GROUP)
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A gazebo offers a play space at Twin Valley Coffee’s new Main Street Café near Elverson. The Gazebo – which was the company’s original location, has been incorporated into the new property. (BILL UHRICH/MEDIANEWS GROUP)