The Venango Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Woods & River Coffee as its 2025 Business of the Year, honoring a business that exemplifies community commitment, entrepreneurial vision, and excellence in customer service.
Woods & River first opened its doors in November 2022 at 2 West Front Street in Oil City, quickly becoming a cornerstone of the South Side Business District. Owned by Erin Wanninger and Marcy Hall, the business was born from a shared dream the pair envisioned after moving to Venango County: to create a coffee shop that celebrated the region’s trails, natural beauty, and vibrant creative community. Erin brought prior experience as a successful coffee shop owner, while both owners contributed deep backgrounds in management, library work, startups, food service, and baking.
Located just one block from the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail and alongside the scenic Allegheny River, Woods & River was thoughtfully designed to serve both locals and visitors. The café features locally roasted coffee, tea, homemade baked goods, bagels, soups, and other regional foods sourced from nearby farms and producers whenever possible, reinforcing the business’s commitment to supporting the local economy.
From the moment customers walk through the door, Woods & River sets itself apart through a culture that is welcoming, inclusive, and intentionally people-centered. Locals and visitors alike frequently remark on the feeling of being known, of being greeted by a friendly face, often someone who remembers their name, their order, or a past conversation. That sense of belonging is not accidental, but a direct reflection of the values Erin and Marcy have instilled in their team. The result is a warm, comfortable space where everyone feels welcome, whether it’s their first visit or their hundredth.
Woods & River has also distinguished itself through its dedication to staff development and workforce growth. The business regularly hires high school students and invests time and resources into training them not just as employees, but as future leaders. Several team members have grown from entry-level roles into management positions, gaining valuable professional skills and confidence along the way. By mentoring young workers and offering real opportunities for advancement, Woods & River is helping to shape the next generation of hospitality and business leaders in Venango County.
More than just a café, Woods & River has become a true community gathering place. One where friends, families, cyclists, artists, and neighbors come together both by plan and by chance. That community focus extends well beyond the counter. Erin and Marcy consistently support local nonprofits, participate in community events, and actively engage with the broader business community throughout the county.
A defining element of Woods & River’s identity is its deep connection to the local arts scene. Co-owner Marcy Hall is a local artist herself, and the café proudly showcases local artwork on its walls year-round. By providing space for both emerging and established artists to display their work, Woods & River offers meaningful exposure and helps foster a thriving creative culture in Oil City. The café regularly serves as a venue for community meetings, art displays, and creative gatherings, further strengthening its role as a cultural hub.
In November 2025, Woods & River expanded with a second location at 100 Seneca Street, complementing one of Oil City’s most recent redevelopment projects and better serving North Side residents and visitors. This thoughtful growth reflects the owners’ long-term commitment to the community and their belief in Oil City’s continued revitalization.
As a locally owned, recognizable brand known for exceptional customer service, inclusive culture, staff development, artistic support, and meaningful community impact, Woods & River Coffee is a deserving recipient of the 2025 Venango Chamber Business of the Year Award, a true model of what a small business can achieve when passion, purpose, and people come first.
Congratulations to Woods & River!
Learn more about Woods & River at:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2025 AWARD WINNERS:
We are looking forward to our Annual Dinner on February 25, where in addition to Woods & River, we will celebrate our Citizen of the Year – Warren Thomas, our Partner in Business of the Year – Venango Museum of Art, Science, and Industry, and our Volunteer of the Year (to be announced that evening).
This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s February 2026 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.