Plans were unveiled before the Village Board of Trustees Feb. 21 for the opening of a new Stillwater coffee shop on Hudson Avenue right around the corner from Village Hall.
Owner Jeffrey Miller (JEM Properties LLC) of Saratoga Springs submitted a Site Plan Application to the Village Board to remodel the former brick office/storefront at 751 Hudson Ave. into Upton Coffee Company. Miller acquired the building, the former law offices of Pamela L. Moore, in 2019. The law offices plan to move to a new location near Stillwater Central School.
A coffee shop is a permitted use there under the village zoning regulations. Miller’s Site Plan Application was approved. He plans to start renovations in March and open the shop in May 2023.
Upton NY was one of the original names of the Village of Stillwater, according to Miller’s application. “Upton Coffee Company will be a reflection of the history of Stillwater and a place where locals can have a great cup of coffee,” he said. “With a comfortable environment, quality products, and great people – Upton Coffee is what our village needs. It will be a place for the community gather, relax and enjoy good conversation.”
In addition to coffee, the business plans to sell teas, lattes, espresso, muffins, bagels and croissants. The space will be completely remodeled with new flooring, ceiling, glass counters, lighting, plumbing and signage. The business will offer takeout and there will be inside and outside seating (during warm months) with tables, chairs and couches.
The owner plans to film the remodeling “every step of the journey” and create an Upton Coffee Company YouTube channel to “give people a firsthand view into what it takes to open a business.” The business also plans to launch Facebook and Instagram pages to promote and develop a merchandise line of shirts, hats and mugs.