Coffee Shop Opening At Ardsley Train Station In Honor Of Grandmother

ARDSLEY, PA —Melissa Velazquez wants to open a coffee shop to become a community staple at the Ardsley train station.

Velazquez has launched a GoFundMe page to get her business started. She even has a name for it in honor of her grandmother: Peg’s Coffee.

Click here to see the GoFundMe page

Velazquez said Ardsley is a tight-knit community that is "severely lacking" small businesses to help improve the neighborhood.

Her 2617 Jenkintown Rd. location at the Ardsley train station has no other coffee shops within a mile radius.

"My intention is to open a coffee shop that becomes a community staple and provides a welcoming and safe place for both residents and those who are visiting,: she said.

She said Ardsley has always been special to me as the home of my grandparents.

In 2020, Velazquez had the opportunity to move in with my grandmother, Peg Herman, to her home of more than 50 years on Monroe Avenue, where she raised her mother and her siblings.

She became part of a community for the first time and is raising her own children here.

"My business has an edge over competitors due to my motivation and drive to create something that not only serves my community but brings a sense of revitalization to a neighborhood that has raised my family for generations," she said. "Peg's Coffee will outperform its predecessors in this neighborhood due to my increased business hours, fresh and clean new branding, and community involvement."

With more than 10 years in the restaurant industry, including five managing a small market.

She will be doing fundraisers, outreach, classes, and workshops with members of the community. Local crafters will have an opportunity to sell their items at our location and also have pop-up markets.

"Peg's will make money by sourcing local, quality ingredients and transforming them into delicious food and drink. We will also sell snacks, coffee-related accessories, and local crafts and art. Our target customers will be community members, train commuters, families, and teens," she said. "We will have extended hours Thursday through Saturday, where our customers can join us for games, music, and desserts."

To start my business she is seeking $15,000.

Velazquez has secured the commercial lease with funds from her savings. She will use funds to purchase an espresso machine and an oven, to update the building, and purchase furniture. Funds will also be used to obtain state licensure to serve food and beverages, obtain an insurance policy, and secure inventory.

(Google Maps)