Rocky Hill Coffee Shop Flourishes After Fire

A fire in 2009 could have destroyed Lori Ducki's and Ken Pellettier's coffee shop. However, after the smoke was cleared and the repairs were completed, the fire may have revitalized the business and been a "blessing in disguise" for its owners. 

"We are very lucky," Pellettier said.

Ducki and Pellettier purchased Bob's Coffee Shop in 2006, however the business has been "a staple" of Rocky Hill for more than 25 years, the owners said.

In April 2009, the kitchen caught on fire and caused heavy smoke damage, Pellettier said.

"The firefighters said they could not see the building," he said.

After the fire, the two owners built a wide-open restaurant complete with modern fixtures and appliances. Bob's Coffee Shop reopened on May 17, 2010.

"It was a blessing in disguise," Pellettier said. "Now, we have a new building."

Even with the economy being tough, Pellettier said, he feels people can still enjoy one meal out.

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"People can still afford breakfast," he said. Pellettier added that his friendly wait staff, quality meals and reasonable prices are getting people to come back to Bob's.

"I think the food is great and you won't leave hungry," he said.

Another reason that people come to Bob's Coffee Shop, which won the , is the inviting atmosphere, Pellettier said. He compared Bob's to the theme song of the hit show "Cheers." Pellettier joked everyone knows your name and is always glad you came, reciting the lyrics from the song.

The restaurant is now offering dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights until 8 p.m. Pellettier said he hopes someday to offer dinner every day of the week.

"I think it is one of the most affordable dinners in town, if not the most affordable," Pellettier said.

The restaurant offers an "early bird" special, which is a smaller portion at a lower price. The special is directly aimed at seniors, one of the restaurant's biggest clienteles.

Some have breakfast in the morning and come back at night for an early dinner, Pelletier said. Seniors tell him that they have cooked their whole lives and now, going out to eat is their reward.

"This is our treat to ourselves," seniors tell Pellettier.