Lindsay Joyce understands the devastating impact of a lost day on a business.
Two water main breaks within a two-week period led to many more days of closed doors for downtown Scranton shops.
When Joyce learned of the plight facing Jenn Saunders at Northern Light Espresso Bar and Cafe on Biden Street, including damage inside the shop following both water main breaks, she sprang into action.
Joyce, general manager of Zummo’s Cafe in the Green Ridge section of the city, collaborated with Saunders to develop a specialty coffee — the Northern Iced Mocha Latte — with all proceeds from sales of the drink this week being donated to Northern Light.
“We, thankfully, are in a position that we have water and a working cafe, and we’re able to help her,” Joyce said. “I think she’s been shut down twice now and she has extensive water damage. It breaks our heart, so anything we can do is really a small drop in the bucket to try to help just a little bit.”
Joyce sympathizes with the shop owners like Saunders who were forced to shut down for multiple days during the past two weeks.
“It’s just a crazy thing to happen,” she said. “For small businesses, one day closed is a nightmare, so I can’t imagine what’s going on with her right now.”
Employee Madelyn Lockard smiles as she grabs a lid for the Northern Iced Mocha Latte at Zummo’s Cafe in Scranton Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The Northern Iced Mocha Latte sits on the counter at Zummo’s Cafe in Scranton Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Employee Madelyn Lockard makes a Northern Iced Mocha Latte at Zummo’s Cafe in Scranton Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
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Employee Madelyn Lockard smiles as she grabs a lid for the Northern Iced Mocha Latte at Zummo’s Cafe in Scranton Wednesday, July 29, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
The social media post by Zummo’s pledging support for Northern Light also led to a trickle effect in the community.
After seeing the note, Mike Macciocco, managing partner for Buddy Clarke’s in Dunmore, donated proceeds from the bar’s Orange Crush drink on Tuesday to Backyard Ale House in downtown Scranton. After a conversation with Mark Levandoski, Schiff’s Food Service donated a couple of cases of oranges, Macciocco said.
“It was a great turnout,” Macciocco said. “(Backyard’s) bartenders showed up and there were a lot of people showing up. We got some donations from Nina’s to give them as well. It was great for the industry to see everybody come together.”
Additionally, several business owners — including Maggie Calpin from Nibbles & Bits in Dunmore, and Kelly Doyle and Marie Allen from the The Releafery in the Green Ridge section of Scranton — offered temporary space in their facilities to downtown Scranton shops at no cost.
Liz Baldi, business development director for Scranton Tomorrow, a nonprofit community and economic development organization, urges consumers to shop small as the shops work through challenges.
“We encourage residents, employees, and visitors to shop, dine, and do business downtown,” she said. “Every purchase helps our local businesses recover more quickly. Business owners have continued to adapt, support one another, and serve customers. Now is the perfect time to visit your favorite local restaurant, shop, or café. Together, we can help our small businesses recover and continue building a vibrant downtown.”