Bridgewater Local Is Brewing Up Organic Coffee In Somerville

SOMERVILLE, NJ — Bridgewater native Steven Chiocchi “Cheech” is brewing up something special in Somerville this summer.

Chiocchi, a Bridgewater-Raritan High School graduate, is mixing together his two passions of bartending and coffee with his newest venture Cheech’s Own. His cold brew shop is set to open later this summer on Main Street in Somerville.

Cheech’s Own began from Chiocchi’s own kitchen. He was working from home and of course needed coffee. But became frustrated when he couldn’t find a good cup of joe.

“Me being a person that cared about what goes into my body, if I got a good cup of coffee somewhere I would ask where it came from and more about it and they didn’t know. It led me to start experimenting at home,” Chiocchi said.

Chiocchi began experimenting in his apartment kitchen in Somerville with cold brews using only organic, sustainably and responsibly sourced ingredients.

He started selling his cold brews by the growler and marketing them as a compliment to cocktails and beers. Chiocchi’s business began taking off and he was invited to craft brew festivals and farmer’s markets.

With demand growing, Chiocchi turned to downtown Somerville to open up his first store front.

“My concept is a lot different than a typical cafe,” Chiocchi said.

His entire menu is organic and Chiocchi tries to avoid any waste by using the coffee grinds in other products such as bars of soap.

Chiocchi will also make his own nut milk from scratch by grinding fresh cashews. And instead of sugar, Chiocchi will use fermented fruit and vinegar to naturally sweeten things.

Inside, the cafe will be set up more like a bar with bar stools and coffees, teas and kombucha on tap with rotating offerings. Locals can stop in and pick up a growler. Or when sitting down, drinks will be served as “mocktails.”

“It’s one step away from adding rum, whiskey or gin,” Chiocchi said. “It will look like cocktails and will be presented like a cocktail in a crystal glass with fresh fruit.”

There will also be a stage for locals musicians, comedians and artists to perform

Organic grab and go food and a menu with gluten-free and vegan options will also be available. Chiocchi is also looking to launch an app to order ahead of time to pick up.

To follow Cheech’s Own with daily updates on the construction progress check out Facebook or Instagram or Twitter.

Or to buy Cheech’s Own products or find what bars are serving it visit cheechsown.com.

(Images via Steven Chiocchi)

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