The Leaf and Bean Company
by John Fries
In the past few years, cigars and coffee have become wildly popular-nearly
as popular as baseball, which is still America's favorite pastime.
People who regularly partake in one or both of these pleasures are
often connoisseur-like in their devotion, and as well as in their
cultivated knowledge about where to find the best sips and smokes.
Fortunately, we don'Õt have to travel to Seattle or Cuba to experience
great coffee or fine cigars. Both are right here in the neighborhood
at the Leaf and Bean Company on Route 19 in Peters Township.
Established in 1997 during the height of the cigar boom, the Leaf
and Bean Company is the "best kept secret in Peters Township," according
to Greg Threlkeld, one of the Company's original owners, and its sole
owner since 2001.
It's not what many might consider a typical coffeehouse or cigar store;
in fact, it's far from it. The Company provides a luxurious, richly
appointed clubby ambience for its patrons, complete with leather chairs
and couches, and paintings by area artists that hang on the oak-paneled
walls.
At the same time, said Threlkeld, "it's a place where "everybody knows
your nameÉa friendly, welcoming environment," in which friends congregate,
entrepreneurs gather for impromptu meetings, retirees mingle, and
people of all ages from around the area come to hang out, play checkers
or cards, and unwind. "Here," according to Threlkeld, "strangers become
friends, and friends become lifelong buddies."
The Leaf and Bean Company is a java drinker's paradise, offering nearly
20 types of coffee, ranging from dark and light roasts to espresso
and cappuccino, to the traditional regular and Colombian coffees.
More adventurous types may want to step outside the box and try the
flavor of the day. And, for those who prefer coffee drinks, "the Company's
staff can prepare just about anything a customer might request," said
Threlkeld.
For the cigar crowd, there are about 150 different styles of cigars
in stock, as well as a humidor room that features 40 wall lockers
to accommodate patrons who opt for the convenience of storing their
cigars, along with personal bottles of their favorite wine and spirits,
on site.
"It's like a private club without memberships," said Threlkeld, "and
everyone is invited and welcome here."
He noted that the Company even has a room that is becoming popular
as a meeting space. "It accommodates about eight to ten people," he
said, " and local businesses, whose owners or employees are our patrons,
have started calling us to reserve it for meetings. That's great,
because it gets them out of their offices and into a more comfortable
environment."
Threlkeld looks forward to going to work each day-not only because
he enjoys coffee and cigars, but also because of the people with whom
he interacts. "I get to spend time with my customers, who are now
my friends. And as new people discover the Leaf and Bean Company,
we all get to make new friends on a daily basis-and get to know each
other over great coffee and cigars. How perfect is that?"
Leaf and Bean Company 3525 Washington Road (next to BrueggerÕs Bagels
in the Crossgates Shops) Hours: Monday Ð Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.,
Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 724-942-6670
