So I spent last weekend in Bethlehem, Pa., and our friends asked me to check out a new coffee joint they have enjoyed lately called Rock N Joe. Although I am generally a Starbucks guy all the way, I figured...when in Rome.
Rock N Joe is a small coffee franchise with a handful of cafes in New Jersey and one in Pennsylvania. They seem to be aggressively franchising. While the rock-theme interior and music are appealing, this is a tough niche to break into.
I ordered the spinach quiche and my friends also ordered a variety of salads and sandwiches. In addition, I had a double espresso and Ms. Darkroasted had a caramel macchiato.
The food was well presented and had great taste. Even so, for me the real test would be the coffee. The espresso was better than I have had at many establishments. It was strong and smooth. The macchiato was well presented - as you can see - and Ms. Darkroasted said it was superior to the Starbuck's drink she normally enjoys.
While the food and coffee were excellent, it was the customer service where this shop shined the brightest. In an era when coffee houses sometime grind customer after customer through the door, this small franchise was polite, patient and consistently attentive as the employees made sure we enjoyed the visit.
If they keep up this combination of service and quality product, they may just make it.
