A national coffee chain will open a new shop in Berlin starting Monday, April 14, with a week's worth of swag giveaways and drink specials.
Patch Staff
Aroma Joe's
BERLIN, CT — The local coffee scene is about to grow next week with the opening of a new drive-through/coffeehouse chain on the Berlin Turnpike.
Aroma Joe’s, a Maine-based handcrafted beverage franchise company, announces the upcoming opening of its newest location in Berlin at 458 Berlin Turnpike.
Slated to open Monday, April 14, the drive-through coffeehouse location will employ approximately 20 people and feature handcrafted coffee and espresso drinks, unique flavor infusions, signature AJ’s RUSH® Energy Drinks, and all-day food options.
The location, owned by Wallingford resident Mollie Menees, 34, a Fairfield native who became a barista in New Hampshire in 2019.
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According to Aroma Joe’s, the chain is known for a "uniquely personal approach."
"Unlike traditional drive-thru coffee chains, every order is taken face-to-face, ensuring customers feel valued and heard," wrote the company in an announcement.
Menees worked as a barista at the Bristol location and became a franchise owner through Aroma Joe’s Fueling Up Success – a leadership program focused on creating a path for baristas to become franchisees.
“Since starting with Aroma Joe’s in 2022, it has been a dream to open up my own shop, and I am so excited it is in my home state. Aroma Joe’s offers an unrivaled experience matched with amazing products. There are no intercoms —just a welcoming smile, personal service, and the best handcrafted drinks,” said Menees. “Just like in other areas, I can’t wait for people to experience the difference and make Aroma Joe’s part of their daily routine.”
Menees said she is dedicated to making her store an active part of the Berlin community.
“Being a local business means giving back — we are more than caffeine — we are all about connection,” she said. “We’re here to support Berlin’s schools, first responders, and organizations in meaningful ways—whether it’s through fundraising partnerships, donations, or just keeping everyone fueled.”
To celebrate the opening week, the new 458 Berlin Turnpike location will give away swag all week during store hours: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.
Aroma Joe’s menu features a wide variety of premium beverages, including fresh-brewed coffee, handcrafted espresso drinks, signature AJ’s Rush energy drinks – including the recently launched Zero Caffeine Rush – and refreshing infused beverages.
Food options include breakfast sandwiches, soft pretzels, cinnamon rolls, and donuts for both breakfast and afternoon snacks.
Aroma Joe’s is headquartered in Scarborough, Maine, with 121 locations across Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Florida, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York.