Spotlight On: Danielle's Espresso Cafe

Upper Dublin Patch: When did you open your business?

Danielle’s Espresso Café: I opened my business on June 27, 2007

UDP: Who is your ideal client or customer?

DEC: The ideal customer: appreciates great coffee/espresso prepared by a talented barista; someone who is community oriented and looking to meet a friend/run into a neighbor while grabbing "their fix"; someone new looking to breaking away from the big corporate chains and support a locally owned business; the dedicated mommies and daddies they need a "break" in their morning hustle and bustle; and everyone that wants to enjoy quality coffee and food complimented by great customer service!

UDP: What makes your business unique from others in your field?

DEC: We are unique in our field, in that the surrounding coffee shops are corporate chains: Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts are right across the street.  Danielle's, "it's where everybody knows your name:)"  The friendly staff offers great customer service, knowledgeable, and familiar with so many of the customers, in that they interact with them outside of the shop: babysitting, teachers, parents friends, neighbors, etc.  Each member of the team is handpicked: they have ties to the community, are personable, willing to learn, smiley all the time, energetic, among others.

UDP: What made you decide to open a business?

DEC: After working for Brew haha! for 7 years, I worked my way through that community, starting as the lowest point of the totem pole: counter crew.  It was a part time job in college, and when it came time to graduate from Ursinus, the opportunity to mange my own shop (the owner had 13 locations at the time) came along.  I was then promoted to Barista trainer for all the locations, as well as, a multi store manager, in the Maple Glen location, as well as, Blue Bell and West Chester.  In roughly 2006, the owner of Brew Haha was selling off her PA locations and I thought to myself: "I would be so bummed if she sold Maple Glen, it was 'my store', if you will."  I helped build it to what it was and the client base and had been there almost since it’s beginning in October 2000.  Therefore, the opportunity presented itself, in that she wanted to sell and I wanted to buy.  We spent the next year gathering information and numbers, and it all worked out, and here we are!  Danielle's Espresso Cafe, LLC!

UDP: What’s your most popular item?

DEC: Most popular item... Hmmm...  I would have to say lattes.  And not just straight up lattes, there are so many variations, whether they have mocha in them, or flavored with vanilla or caramel, with or without whipped cream, and any combination of all of the above!  In the summer, especially those hot days like we've seen these past couple weeks, frozen lattes, by far!  (I believe the corporate chains call them 'frappeccinos')

UDP: What make’s your community special?

DEC: What's so special about our community?  Everything!  Maple Glen is rich in its "loyalty" to the small business, and the small business owner, in its community.  The majority of our customers are "regulars", whether it be for coffee, breakfast, lunch, or sweets!  They truly appreciate what a small business can do and how it impacts the community.  If its donations for local fundraisers, school fundraisers, open mike nights for the local high schools, hosting private parties, receiving the local soccer teams for their "end of season sha-bang", and so much more!   We are in Upper Dublin Township, and have the privilege of being so close to the Upper Dublin School District, as well as, Hatboro Horsham.  Those 2 districts alone have so many pre K, grade, middle and high schools, and lets not forget the Catholic and private Schools in the area.  And of course, the various colleges, churches, and synagogues.  Every opportunity to give back to the community that supports us is welcome and appreciated! 

UDP: Where can customers find your specials?

DEC: Specials...well we have set up a Facebook page where customers can check out our specials, pictures, events, and even meet the staff!  We also have a daily features board located at the entrance, and a seasonal features board further in.  What’s the best way to find our specials?  Ask a team member, they are "the best menu we got!"  Their personal favorites have often inspired customers to try something new and different, and have "made a believer" out of them! LOL

UDP: What are your chef’s specialties?

DEC: Chef's specialties, I would say more like Barista Specialties!  By far, if you need a "go to kick in the pants", the Chai Charger - a chai tea latte with shots of espresso, that will get you going!  With the temperatures outside lately, anything over ice, especially if its caffeinated!  My personal favorites (and I like combination drinks), the Neapolitan Latte - mocha, strawberry, and vanilla; the German Chocolate Latte - mocha, caramel, and coconut; and the infamous iced Chai Charger!

Danielle's Espresso Cafe currently is open "summer hours:" Monday thru Friday 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Regular hours will begin once the school year is back: Monday thru Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more at their website or on their Facebook page Danielle's Espresso Cafe, LLC.