Business Spotlight: Trackside Coffee Shop

“She’s very hospitable,” says Belleville resident Jan Jrafone of Trackside Coffee Shop & Catering owner, Sue Marra. "You always feel welcome, and the food is great."

Sue Marra’s dilemma? “I’ve been here for three years,” she states as she prepares a roast beef, and mashed potatoes and vegetables for lunch, “and people really don’t know I’m here. And my food is good!”

Trackside Coffee Shop is tiny, but has tables right out of your own kitchen to enjoy affordable good food at, and join in conversation with the regulars. Think you can’t afford a good lunch. Then you haven’t visited Trackside Coffee Shop yet? $5.00.

That’s right. 5 bucks.

On the counter sits a Christmas tree which gets decorated every holiday season. The Saint Patrick’s Day shamrocks and leprechauns have been removed, and adorning it now? Easter eggs.

Q. How long have you owned Trackside Coffee Shop?

A. 3 Years.

Q. What was here before?

A. A coffee shop, but all you could get was coffee and lottery tickets. It’s also the original Belleville fire house.

Q. How did you come into ownership?

A. The fellow that had this begged us (she and her husband, Joe). We came in for coffee one day and we took it over. He paid the first month’s rent.

Q. Describe your day.

A. I’m here at 6:15 – most of the time I’m here at 6 – and I leave at 3. On Saturday and Sunday I leave at noon. Sometimes in the summer I’m here until 1.

Q. How do you stay afloat with the current economy? What’s business like?

A. There is not enough foot traffic. I have one person who comes here prior to getting the train. I’m trying to be friendly with the economy the way it is. Lunch is always $5.00. Even if I make a shell steak with potatoes, it’s $5.00. A meat loaf platter? $5.00. We also have daily specials for lunch and breakfast, and do offsite catering.

Trackside Coffee Shop & Catering, 176 Belmont Avenue, (862) 902-3487. Call for hot and cold catering information.