The best thing about Toasted and Roasted is that they are more than just a coffee shop. They take great pride in roasting all of their own beans that have been thoughtfully and sustainably sourced…and you can absolutely notice the difference when you taste it!
Be sure to visit their online shop if you can’t get there in person. They offer tons of different roasts for even the snobbiest of coffee drinkers.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what brought you to the Lehigh Valley.
Hi! I’m Ali. I was raised in the Poconos before making detours to New York City and Los Angeles. My husband and I met in NY and then later started the coffee business out in LA. After the pandemic, we had a fork in the road. We could resign our lease on Melrose Ave for another 5 years or make a change. We ultimately decided to move back to the Poconos to be closer to family so that we could start a family of our own. The Lehigh Valley ended up being the right place for the next chapter of our coffee business. We had looked for a space for a while all over NEPA, but when we found the corner spot on Broad and Center, the pieces fell into place.
Tell us about Toasted and Roasted
Like all great businesses, the coffee shop and roastery was a compromise between my husband and I. He wanted to start a full service restaurant and I said nope. After many long discussions, we decided on this path. He loves being able to craft a product for people to enjoy and I really love building community.
What drew you to the coffee business?
I thought I knew a lot about coffee before we started this journey and quickly found out how wrong I was! It’s been rewarding to expand my knowledge and appreciation of coffee and then get to see others go on their own explorations. There’s something for everyone in the coffee world. Mostly though, even before Annabelle existed in this world, I wanted to help build a community where she and other children could thrive as they grow.
How do you balance mom’ing and owning a business?
I don’t.* I’m very much in the trenches still and triaging the list of things to get done day by day. That being said, Annabelle comes first. Our business is incredibly important to us, but she is our priority. I’m very fortunate though that my husband gives 150% as a dad, husband and business partner. We’ve worked really hard to find the best ways to show respect to each other and effectively communicate since we’re together most of the time. That’s become paramount this year to be the best people and parents we can be.
*Editor’s note: Absolutely love this answer. That’s all.
I’m sure you’ve heard the term “It takes a village”- who is yours and how do you use them?
I am grateful for the family village we were born into and the extended village we’ve built. Annabelle has three wonderful grandmas (the “Grandma Club”) taking care of her since she was born. It’s the only reason we were able to be comfortable diving back into the business. And then I can’t say enough about the mom village I’ve met through the shop. I’ve gotten a ton of support from new and experienced moms that has absolutely kept me sane.
How has being a mom changed your work life?
There are only 24 hours in the day. There have already been multiple new versions of work life since she was born. Annabella has grown and changed so much in 11 months that we’ve gone through maternity leave (sort of) to work being my “adult time” to now balancing having her at the shop part-time. I have a feeling it will be constantly evolving.
What’s the best piece of advice you have gotten from another mom?
Zipper onesies and it’s all a moment in time. I appreciate all advice because you never know what’s going to work, but I appreciate support more.
Do you have any “secret menu items” that kids visiting your shop might enjoy?
I love making strawberry lemonades and hot chocolates depending on the season, but babyccinos (steamed milk with a little vanilla in a tiny cup) for the budding coffee enthusiasts are where it’s at!
