The basics:
Eric LeGrand‘s vision for building community one cup of coffee at a time has arrived in Middletown.
LeGrand Coffee House celebrated the grand opening of its second location July 26, expanding beyond its original Woodbridge café and bringing its community-focused mission to Monmouth County. It also marks the next major step in his entrepreneurial journey, which NJBIZ has reported extensively on.
The new coffee shop occupies the former Booskerdoo Coffee & Baking space at Kings Commons on Route 35, a shopping center anchored by Saker ShopRite. The location is owned in partnership with Pete, Amanda and Judy Kapsales, while the ribbon-cutting ceremony drew local officials, community supporters, family and friends, including Middletown Mayor Tony Perry and Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz.
LeGrand, who thanked his partners, said, “This is No. 2. Our goal is always bring unity to community and a Daily Cup of bELieve. We started in Woodbridge. It’s been four years and running, but now it’s time to grow. And I knew I had to go Parkway south a little bit, right down to Middletown, about a half-hour away from where I’m from.
“And we’re excited to welcome you guys through our doors. It’s been a lot of hard work, a lot of sleepless nights behind-the-scenes.”
Making it in Middletown
Speaking after the ribbon cutting, LeGrand reflected on the work that went into opening the second location.
“Honestly, it’s a breath of fresh air, but grateful because all the behind-the-scenes work to get this open – it’s a lot,” LeGrand told NJBIZ. “It’s a lot. But to be here now and welcome people through the doors. And my partners, they’ve never been through this. So seeing them go through this right now and seeing the excitement on their faces – I’m happy for them as well.”
Our goal is always bring unity to community and a Daily Cup of bELieve. – Eric LeGrand, LeGrand Coffee House founder
LeGrand said Middletown was a natural fit because of the relationships he had already built in the community through previous projects and collaborations, including the ribbon cutting for the township’s all-inclusive playground at McMahon Park
“I think that’s the coolest part because it’s only a half hour away from where I’m from, but I have a lot of support and a lot of love down here – people that want to be a part of whatever I’m doing. And to be able to come to Middletown, it’s a different county, but not far away, I think it was a prefect spot for expansion. Not too far, not too close.”
He said he can’t wait for the people of Middletown to be able to enjoy their coffee at the new location. Like the original Woodbridge café, the Middletown location offers LeGrand Coffee House’s full menu of specialty coffee drinks, espresso beverages, teas, refreshers and pastries, along with its signature “A Daily Cup of bELieve” atmosphere that has helped build a loyal following over the past four years.
Getting here
And the ties to the community go even further, as LeGrand previously collaborated with Middletown staple Taliercio’s as well as Nicholas Creamery, which has a location right next to the new LeGrand Coffee House. It also looks forward to more in the future.
Perry said the opening represented more than just a new business for Middletown. He noted that he first met LeGrand several years ago during that McMahon Park event, a relationship that eventually led to discussions about bringing LeGrand Coffee House to town and a friendship he said he was grateful for. He said Eric’s story is one about believing.
“And being optimistic about life, no matter what challenges you face – and Eric has embraced that,” said Perry.
The mayor said conversations about the expansion began roughly 16 months ago after a storefront became available.
“I said Eric, let’s make this happen. I know you love Woodbridge, but let’s come down to Middletown,” said Perry, thanking Jim Davis (of Middletown-based Whirl Construction) and the team for their roles. “We were able to make that happen. And today we get to celebrate that, and we all get to enjoy a great cup of LeGrand Coffee. So, Eric, congratulations, my friend.”
Perry also presented LeGrand with a special football engraved with Middletown’s logo and LeGrand Coffee House and the date of the opening.
Inspiring a community
Speaking with the NJBIZ, Perry said the new business is not only a win for Middletown’s economic development, but also brings inspiration to the community through LeGrand’s remarkable story.
“It inspires a community, and you can see by the outreach here today already with the community embracing LeGrand Coffee,” Perry told NJBIZ. He added that having such a great story behind the brand “is what makes this ribbon-cutting special.
“It’s wonderful to have Eric, a guy that is so committed to a community. And whether it’s his hometown or his adopted hometown, having Eric here and having LeGrand Coffee House open up in Middletown is great for us — and we can’t wait to see him succeed.”
And there was certainly a big crowd on opening day, excited to try their Daily Cup of bELieve. The line already out the door shortly after officially opening highlights the community support Perry referenced.
Come for the coffee, stay for the experience
Asked what he wants people who are new to LeGrand Coffee House to experience when they walk through the doors, LeGrand said:
“I always tell people you’re going to come here for great coffee, but while you’re here, I want you to feel comfortable,” said LeGrand. “I want people to feel like – wow, what a great vibe, what a great atmosphere, great service. And when you leave, you leave satisfied – like, I really enjoyed myself at LeGrand Coffee House. I can’t wait to go back and tell my family and friends to go check that place out.”
The second café represents another milestone in LeGrand’s evolution from football star and motivational speaker to entrepreneur. Along with LeGrand Bourbon, a thriving public speaking career and his ongoing philanthropic efforts through Team LeGrand, the Middletown expansion reflects a business portfolio that continues to grow alongside his mission of inspiring others.
And if opening day was any indication, LeGrand’s recipe of quality coffee, community and belief is already resonating with a new audience in Monmouth County.