NANTICOKE — The Grateful Roast Cafe and Coffee Roaster opened “naturally” last week, bringing with it a twist of the Pacific Northwest to Northeastern Pennsylvania

“We didn’t even put the open sign on,” owner Brian Williams said about the shop’s first day.

Business at the shop, located on Middle Road, has been slowly picking up, especially through word of mouth and social media.

Williams, who grew up in the Pacific Northwest, came to Nanticoke for his wife, Sarah Kratz. They have been roasting coffee beans since 2006.

Brian started roasting “because I enjoy the craft,” he said, noting he is still learning the process.

In March, the couple signed a lease on the building at the corner of Kosciuszko Street and Middle Road that formerly housed Grave 74 Tattoo Studio.

Sarah designed the interior of the building, including the teal walls and red and blue chairs.

“She would have a vision and her dad (Dennis Nealon) would build it,” Brian said. He considers the shop “cozy” and “inviting.”

The name, Grateful Roast, spreads from the couple’s love for The Grateful Dead as well as the reminder to appreciate farmers and see a bigger picture, Brian said.

Christy Emelett has gone to the cafe several times since the opening and calls the place “super fresh.”

“I have found when you get a latte, cappuccino or anything that’s not just coffee, with the chains it all tends to taste the same,” Emelett said. “Here, you can taste the difference.”

Emelett, who usually gets lattes, is currently on a coconut iced coffee kick and likes the choices Grateful Roast provides.

“The shop has everything you would expect and want from a coffee shop,” Emelett said.

Along with pastries from local vendors, the business offers a small menu after 10 a.m. which includes paninis and melts.

Brian said, though the couple wants their business to grow “organically,” he’s having a hard time keeping the shop stocked with roasted beans.

The shop is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday but Brian said the customer base and their needs will dictate the hours as the shop grows.

Grateful Roast Cafe and Coffee Roaster

Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

Address: 400 Middle Road, Nanticoke

Online: Grateful Roast Cafe and Coffee Roaster on Facebook.

Reach Melanie Mizenko at 570-991-6116 or on Twitter @TL_MMizenko

By Melanie Mizenko

mmizenko@timesleader.com

Owner Brian Williams stands behind the counter and waits for the lunch rush in his new coffee shop Grateful Roast Cafe and Coffee Roaster in Nanticoke on Thursday.
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_TTL070116coffee1.jpg.optimal.jpgOwner Brian Williams stands behind the counter and waits for the lunch rush in his new coffee shop Grateful Roast Cafe and Coffee Roaster in Nanticoke on Thursday. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

Brian Williams pours steamed milk for a cappuccino in his new coffee establishment Grateful Roast Cafe and Coffee Roaster in Nantiocke on Thursday.
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_TTL070116coffee3.jpg.optimal.jpgBrian Williams pours steamed milk for a cappuccino in his new coffee establishment Grateful Roast Cafe and Coffee Roaster in Nantiocke on Thursday. Sean McKeag | Times Leader

Nanticoke’s newest coffee shop Grateful Roast Cafe and Coffee Roaster on Middle Road gets a few customers on Thursday.
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/web1_TTL070116coffee4.jpg.optimal.jpgNanticoke’s newest coffee shop Grateful Roast Cafe and Coffee Roaster on Middle Road gets a few customers on Thursday. Sean McKeag | Times Leader