Long Valley Business Of The Year Nominee: The Coffee Potter

LONG VALLEY NJ — The coronavirus pandemic has presented challenges for most local businesses, but that hasn't stopped many from continuing to offer the products and services beloved by their regular customers.

One of those businesses is Long Valley's The Coffee Potter.

The business was nominated by Patch readers as a business of the year for managing to navigate the turbulence with steadfast determination and an unwavering commitment to the clients they serve.

"This is a year when everything seemed turned upside down. When the rules were changing every day The Coffee Potter became our towns beacon of hope. The smile on every person, the consistency of the staff and even the warmth of their product (unless you like it cold) let us know it was going to be ok," Peter Thompson said. "While sitting at the drive through the other day my son mentioned that Potter defines the word community. You can buy coffee anyplace, but extended family is hard to find."

The feeling of community was not one happened upon by accident. According to owners Dave and Geralyn Hickey, they shared a vision of opening a business that would allow them to be relational with their customers in a town that they felt a real connection with.

And it seems to have worked.

"At the Coffee Potter the coffee and food are awesome, but what really stands out is the customer service. The staff there is amazing. They are the friendliest staff, every single person that works there. Everyone," Tracy Swain said. "Throughout the pandemic they adjusted to their protocols to ensure the staff and customers safety without ever-changing their product or level of service."

Indeed, many customers mentioned the haven the business provided during the pandemic.

"During the pandemic, it was so nice to have a place to go to where the staff was always friendly and welcoming. It made you feel that we would get through this together," Rosanne Pisano said. "There were always lines of cars waiting at the drive through. You were always greeted with a smile. The Coffee Potter is an essential part of LV life."

The Hickeys noted that they wanted to serve great coffee and good food, but moreover, wanted to provide a sanctuary for people to enjoy great coffee and good food in the company of their neighbors.

"A place where people would feel cared for. And a platform for us to promote our core values of Integrity, Quality, Kindness and Respect, and Fun," they said.

Have a business you would like to see in a special spotlight? As a Patch reader, you can nominate a Local Businesses of the Year.

Please tell us the name of the business, where it is located, why it deserves to be recognized and what specific actions have earned your allegiance. Please be as specific as possible, as your comments may be included in a Patch feature article about the local business.

Patch will feature nominated businesses in December.

Please submit your nomination by Dec. 10.

Additionally, if you are a local business owner who would like to share more information about your services and offerings, sign up to be included in Patch's free Local Business Information Center.

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