Media Getting Popular OCNJ Coffee Shop Outpost

MEDIA, PA — Media is getting its own version of a popular Ocean City, New Jersey coffee shop this weekend.

Ocean City Coffee Company will open their first Pennsylvania location in Media on Saturday, March 16.

The Media shop will have a soft opening Saturday on 34 West State Street before holding a grand opening on a date to be determined, owner Cal Corvaia said.

While researching potential new spots, Calvaio realized that about 20 percent of rewards members in Ocean City are from Delaware County. Choosing Media, which features a shopping district similar to Asbury Avenue's, was an easy choice from there, Calvaio said.

When Corvaia opened Ocean City Coffee Company back in 2004, she never imagined it would expand to Pennsylvania.

Since opening on the Boardwalk, Ocean City Coffee Co. developed two more shops: one on Asbury Avenue and another along the Boardwalk. They always considered expanding to new locations, but Pennsylvania caught them by surprise.

"We had thought about expansions from the beginning, but we were thinking more of other beach towns," Corvaia said. "We have looked at Atlantic City and Wildwood, and it just hasn't worked out yet."

Ocean City Coffee Co. always had individuals interested in opening shops with them. Then they found a family and location they embraced.

A local family — Lauri, Corey and Russ Watkins — will run the new coffee shop. Lauri quit her job as a teacher to run the shop, Corvaia said. Corey is an Allentown police officer.

"They're fine people. They're younger. We like them a lot," Corvaia said.

Besides the coffee shops, Ocean City Coffee Co. also ships their products, including gift boxes, around the world through their website. Their partnership with the Watkins's should help the Media location maintain a family vibe.

"We're a family company and hope the love and care we have for our shops, employees, and customers comes through in each cup," the Ocean City Coffee Company Facebook page says.

Story by Josh Bakan