Success Story: Calabria Coffee in New Hartford, New York

Congratulations to Bryce and Erika Lamberto! Their Calabria Coffee at 52 Genesee Street in New Hartford, New York, recently celebrated two years of serving the finest coffee and pastries in Oneida County.

The couple learned how to start a coffee shop through our 7 Steps to Coffee Shop Success program. Our team of coffee shop startup consulting experts has been instrumental in their growth over the last two years.

Meet the Lambertos

Opening the shop in May 2021 was the culmination of a six-year dream for Erika and Bryce.

They were inspired to create a community-centric coffee shop after several years of working in the Las Vegas hospitality industry.

“Building our own coffee shop was a big passion project for us!” Erika said.

The couple began planning Calabria Coffee within months of moving to New Hartford.

The shop takes its name from Italy’s Calabria region, the ancestral home of the Lamberto family.

“Growing up here, there wasn’t a place where people could hang out,” Bryce recalled. “So, we created one!”

More than a Coffee Shop: Making a Positive Impact

Calabria Coffee attracts repeat customers with a focus on efficiently delivering first-class beverages in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Customers can choose from espresso-based drinks served hot, iced or blended into a frozen drink, as well as cold-brewed coffee, hot and iced tea and blended fruit smoothies. The shop also features local treats like baked goods from Caruso’s Pastry Shoppe.

“Other than making high-quality beverages and providing excellent customer service, supporting our community is a top priority,” Bryce said.

“Our goal is to be more than just another coffee shop; we want to have a positive impact on people and our community.”

“At Calabria Coffee, we make it our mission to serve not only high-quality beverages but also a welcoming experience with genuine warmth and a clean, safe environment,” he added.

“Every single person who walks into our shop is greeted by a smiling face! We really strive to make each customer’s day a little brighter with kindness and good service.”

The couple said their friends and neighbors in the New Hartford community have been key to growing their small business.

“We are so thankful to be a part of such a wonderful community,” Bryce said.

“We took a huge risk, but having such a welcoming community and supportive customers has made all of the hard work and sacrifice worth it.”

“We work with the New Hartford Chamber of Commerce and participate in various events that help to support other local small businesses, as well as our community,” he added.

“We also host pop-up events at our coffee shop that feature local small businesses.”

Coffee Quality Wins Rave Reviews

Customers say they love the quality and consistency of espresso-based drinks made with award-winning Crimson Cup coffee.

“We have people that come back from vacation and tell us how much they missed our coffee and shop – saying they haven’t found another place that compares to our drinks and service,” Erika said.

Dozens of five-star online reviews testify to the shop’s quality drinks, friendly customer service and friendly atmosphere.

“What a great coffee shop!” wrote one Google Local Guide. “My daughter and I popped in on a lark as we had some time to kill, and I am glad we did!

The coffee was amazing! We sat and enjoyed our beverages in the very nicely renovated dining area and watched as others enjoyed theirs as well.

“Although we did not have any pastries, they were supplied by our absolute favorite bakery: Caruso! We will be sure to have some when we go back…and we will!!!”

Thinking About Starting a Coffee Shop? Erika and Bryce Lamberto Have Some Advice

After two years of success, the couple says that anyone thinking of starting a coffee shop should talk to Crimson Cup.

“The first decision we made was to partner with Crimson Cup, and it was the best decision we made,” Erika said. “We are truly thankful to work with such a wonderful company.”

“The amount of support and guidance we received was so instrumental in the initial success of our business,” she added.

“Not only is the coffee amazing, but so are the people. I don’t know that we would be here two years later without their guidance and support.”

Visit Calabria Coffee

The Lambertos invite everyone in New Hartford, Utica and Oneida County to visit Cambria Coffee. The shop is open seven days a week at 52 Genesee Street in New Hartford.

For news and menu updates, follow the shop’s Facebook and Instagram pages.