Staff Writer
HOULTON — As if the coffee-laden aroma in the air wasn’t enough to convince customers, the collection of freshly-baked pastries and mouth-watering menu at Beans and Leaves will most certainly tempt customers to try the new business located just off Bangor Street.
Pioneer Times Photo/Sarah Berthiaume
BEANS AND LEAVES — The Fulton family, from left, Nick, Troy with Brandon, Jennifer and Chris, pause for a snapshot in front of their new business, Beans and Leaves, which opened March 31 on Alice Avenue. The shop boasts a full line of coffees, tea and other drinks, as well as, a lunch menu and pastries.
Troy and Jennifer Fulton, long time coffee lovers, opened the eatery March 31.
“It’s something we’ve been thinking about doing as long as we’ve been married,” says Jennifer.
“That and having a passion for gourmet coffee,” adds Troy. “Coffee-making is a never-ending learning process. … And we aim to be the best.”
The Fultons said they’ve roasted and flavored their own coffee for a while, mostly sharing their passion with family and friends.
“Their response was very encouraging and that’s probably a good part of how we came to be in business today,” said Troy. “Coffee is just something we really enjoy.”
Their shop features a wide array of coffee options — everything from fresh-brewed Columbian coffee to French press coffee, as well as, espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos and more.
“In our professional coffee opinion, we offer the best gourmet coffee flavors and the smoothest Columbian coffee using Columbian Supremo beans,” he explains. “We offer one flavored coffee daily and we always have straight Columbia coffee on brew which you can add flavor shots to if you’d like.”
But their beverage choices don’t stop at coffee. Beans and Leaves also offers loose-leaf teas, frozen cappuccino, iced coffee and fresh fruit smoothies.
Pastries and other sweet treats from The Pastry Corner start off the food menu.
“Cari [Hutchison, of the Pastry Corner] has done some fantastic baking for us,” said Troy.
“Her cinnamon roll, turnover and muffins are all unique to us,” added Jennifer.
Hutchinson also supplies Beans and Leaves with homemade bread for their sandwich menu which allows customers to build their own style of sandwich or choose from a list of panini (pressed and grilled sandwiches). They’ve started a Coffee Club for customers and also offer free wireless Internet at the shop.
Both registered nurses at Houlton Regional Hospital and relative newcomers to Houlton, the Fultons say they’ve appreciated the support from the area.
“We had an unwavering support system from the owners of this building, Gary and Lisa McGuire. They’ve helped us with restructuring of the building, setting up, getting our coffee machines in place and even in getting out the word,” said Troy. “We’ve also seen a wonderful community response. We have friends and co-workers from Houlton Regional Hospital who have helped us out and networked an unbelievable amount for us.”
Eventually, the Fultons said they’re hoping to expand their business into northern Aroostook, as well as, expand what they offer at the Houlton shop.
“What we’re looking at doing here is setting up a flat screen TV with an Xbox Live gaming system so teenagers in the area can come and interact with other kids. We’re looking to have possibly Halo tournaments or Rainbow 6 tournaments,” he said. “We’d probably start around 5 p.m. and our hours could be extended later to accommodate the crowd.”
Beans and Leaves, located at 2 Alice Avenue (next to The Pastry Corner and at former home of Ferris Oil), can be reached by calling 532-6500. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. They’re closed Sundays and Mondays.
