New Organic Coffee Shop Featuring Artisan Treats Opens In Somerset County

RARITAN, NJ — Business is definitely brewing for Bridgewater native Steven Chiocchi who just opened his second Ambee Coffee location.

The new location at 101 Second Ave. in Raritan in the shopping center off Route 202 near the Somerville Circle serves as an easy grab-and-go for commuters.

His first location in Somerville only offered coffee and pastries but with the demand for more food options. With his Raritan launch, Chiocchi decided to add on a vegan- and gluten-free bakery and a kitchen and a chef to offer farm-to-table breakfast and lunch items such as avocado toast, french toast, and egg sandwiches.

"Everything we offer in Somerville we offer here but more," said Chiocchi on Monday.

The soft opening kicked off Monday and a grand opening with a ribbon cutting is being planned for December.

The opening is a collaboration with the owner of Epic Cookies and 22 West Tap & Grill Kevin Trimarchi to be able to offer more of a food element.

Chiocchi noted that the menu is still developing and "we will be relying heavily on customer feedback."

One item only available at the Raritan location is the Churro Doughnut, which is made from chickpea flour and is vegan-and gluten-free.

Additionally, Ambee is also the first in New Jersey to carry Nu Milk - a plant-based milk maker that was featured on Shark Tank.

Customers can also order ahead online at ambee.coffee to pick up and go.

The name of the cold brew shop, Ambee is definitely unique. The name Ambee is a word Chiocchi, a Bridgewater-Raritan High School graduate, made up and is a play on the word ambient. He launched Ambee on Amazon and online before opening his coffee shop in 2018 for his coffee product line. Read More: Somerville Coffee Shop Rebrands Itself Again, This Time For Good

The name also aligns with his organic coffee line that is light- or ambient-themed. The coffee product names include Aurora, Orion, Eclipse, and more.

For more information visit ambee.coffee or facebook.com/ambeecoffee or instagram.com/ambee_coffee.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.