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Business & Tech

Local Couple Launches "This Town Coffee"

Maplewood coffee roasters bring homegrown java to SOMA.


Gordon and Samantha Pomp met on an airplane, bonding over former beloved jobs as baristas and a love of a “good” cup of coffee. They dated, got married, and daydreamed of one day being in the coffee business.

Now, eight years later, with a pair of three-year-old twin boys in tow, they have finally begun to realize their dream.

Samantha, an artist, and Gordon, a certified welder and industrial mechanic, have become local, artisan, micro-coffee roasters, and owners of This Town Coffee.

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The company was named for their fondness of Maplewood, where they have lived for the past two years.

“We instantly loved Maplewood for its unique and creative charm,” says Gordon.

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“We went to many local events, which we adored, and whenever we referred to how cute or quaint Maplewood was, we were always saying things like —“this town…,” said Samantha.

The company’s name is also significant in that local businesses – such as the Cupcake Corral, which recently began exclusively serving This Town Coffee – and many other local coffee-loving residents, are showing their support by seeking out the Pomp’s freshly roasted coffee in droves.

“We started selling This Town Coffee because it is local and is the freshest coffee we can get without roasting it ourselves,” says Joe Ramaikas, owner of the Cupcake Corral. “It is flavorful, smooth and has been well-received by our customers.”

The Pomps take great pride in the coffee they provide, and strive to offer the freshest, green beans possible, from the very best seasonal coffee bean regions. While they do not yet consider themselves to be “coffee connoisseurs,” they have come to learn a lot about coffee.

They participate in numerous “cuppings,” via coffee brokers, in order to choose the best seasonal bean crops. These cuppings are much like wine tastings. They pour five ounces of 195-200 degree water over 8.2 grams of ground beans, and analyze the different flavors of the beans, the aromas, the taste, and the body of the coffee before choosing the beans they want to buy, roast and sell.

“We purchase our green beans on a case-by-case basis, and our selections are always changing with the seasons, by region,” says Gordon.

“We provide unique, delicious, quality coffee, with amazing flavor profiles to be enjoyed and savored by people who love the true taste of coffee,” says Samantha.

The Pomps currently operate out of their home, but may be outgrowing that set up earlier than expected. Following their official launch just one month ago, they have not only needed to purchase a second roaster, but have plans to buy two additional commercial roasters.

With Christmas just around the corner, a pound or two of freshly roasted, organic This Town Coffee makes a wonderful gift for friends, family, co-workers or the boss.

Right now, the following coffee is available, by the pound:

  • Region: Africa—Ethiopian Sidamo Nura Korate is a very smooth, dense body coffee, with a hint of floral, cardamom, black tea, and peach flavors, and mild lemon acidity. It is best served as a medium roast.
  • Region: Indonesia—Timor is a well-balanced, full-bodied, clean, dry and smooth coffee, with hints of dark chocolate and caramel flavors. It is best served as a medium to dark roast.

This Town Coffee can be ordered at www.thistowncoffee.etsy.com,  www.facebook.com/ThisTownCoffee, or by contacting Samantha via email at thistowncoffee@gmail.com or call (862) 253-7444.

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