Have you always wanted to own a coffee shop?  Emilee Gray laughs and replies: “No, I just saw that this one was for sale and likely closing and thought it would be a good idea.”

Emilee and her aunt Jackie Bucholz, already partners in business at Freedom Services (offering notary, bookkeeping, and tax preparation) wasted no time in reopening Spilling the Beans, located at 2 West Front Street in Oil City.  A splash of paint, new carpet and some soft seating gave a fresh feel to a familiar meeting place.

Customers will recognize staff that stayed on from the previous owners and friends who continue to meet regularly for coffee chats. Only modest changes to the menu and hours suggest there was little, if any, disruption from the change of ownership.

Prior Owners Missy and Josh Scrivens along with Dave McVay, own the Log Cabin restaurant in Seneca. The sale of Spilling the Beans will allow them to focus on this long-standing business and its expanded catering and food truck services.

Spilling the Beans employs a staff of five and will likely grow, with some employees working across the businesses.

When asked what she has learned and what surprises her about owning a coffee shop, Emilee remarks: “Everything!  It is hard work, but I love the customers.  I can now make a latte, an accomplishment considering my experience didn’t go much beyond a Keurig.”

Emily looks forward to working with neighboring businesses and contributing to the sustainability of the community.

Spilling the Beans is open 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To find more information and their menu, visit their Facebook page.

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s October 2019 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.