Coffee Talk in Maberly

Oct 21, 2010

Photo:  Bob and Catherine Bowyer, the new owners of Fall River Espresso in Maberly

Catherine and Rob Bowyer took over the Fall River Espresso one month ago and are enjoying their new line of work.

The couple, who originally met in Toronto, moved to Maberly from Carp in May of this year and decided they also wanted to work in the area instead of commuting to jobs in Ottawa where Rob worked in construction and Catherine as a pre-school teacher. “We were brainstorming ideas for work and this came up and seemed perfect.” The two bought the business from Paul Zammit, owner of the Fall River Pub and Grill, who ran the coffee shop, which was formerly known as the Fall River Ice Cream and Coffee Shop.

Catherine said her and Rob's aim is to offer customers “fresh, tasty and inexpensive food and snacks”. These include gluten-free baked goods and soups that Catherine makes herself; a variety of fresh deli sandwiches using home-baked ham, which can also be made with gluten-free bread; plus a variety of regular baked goods like butter tarts, lemon and raspberry squares, and a wide assortment of cookies and muffins.

For those on the go Catherine recommends their home-made breakfast sandwich, a definite improvement from the usual fare made with a poached egg, real cheddar, and home-baked ham.“What we're trying to do is raise our fare up a notch and our aim is to have a clean label.” In that vein the couple are also sourcing their supplies locally and have made local contacts for fresh farm eggs, and pork.” They also plan to cover the walls with profiles of local area food producers.

The coffee they serve and sell is fair trade organic coffee from Equator coffee in Almonte and they serve up espresso cappuccino and lattes using new machines that they both have mastered.

Their future plans include acquiring a new breakfast bar and tables and chairs so that customers can sit and enjoy a quick meal or snack and they also plan to gussy up the patio come spring. Catherine also plans to serve seasonally based food products and snacks like mint hot chocolate and mince meat tarts come Christmas time.

Right now though, they are content serving customers who appreciate their fresh fare and who are overwhelmingly friendly and courteous. “Starting off we didn't expect people to be as friendly as they are and that is one aspect of this work that we are both really enjoying.”

Their drive through window is great for those looking for a quick purchase but if it is friendly conversation you are after, Catherine and Bob are more than happy to oblige.

Fall River Espresso is located at the corner of Hwy. 7 and 36 in Maberly and is open Monday through Thursday 6:30AM-4PM, Fridays 6:30AM-5PM and Saturdays and Sundays from 9AM-5PM.