Snuggle up with a good book and coffee

In February of 2022, the Center Moriches Library welcomed Hampton Coffee Company as its official café, serving patrons muffins, Danish pastries, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, hot soup, and, of course, delicious coffee.

Now that the café has settled into its newest location within the library and locals have made the café part of their library ritual (grabbing a window seat that overlooks Main Street to work on their computer or read the latest library selection), they want you to know the unique story behind the coffee company.

The library is Hampton Coffee Company’s sixth location, and its farthest west. Its location in Watermill is the company’s flagship, as it was the first to open, nearly 30 years ago. The flagship is where Jason and Theresa Belkin met. Love was in the air, as was the tantalizing aroma of locally roasted coffee, as the husband-and-wife team were young baristas together, and are now owners of the company.

That was 19 years ago, and since then, they’ve brought their signature coffee and menu items to other locations on Long Island. They also built a custom Mobile Espresso Unit that houses an entire espresso bar and developed a wholesale department that supplies coffee to supermarkets and restaurants. Their steadfast determination to bring Hamptons-roasted coffee to a larger audience has earned them a spot as the largest independent coffee roaster and retailer on Long Island.

Edythe Collins, public relations and marketing manager for Hampton Coffee Company, said the café’s library location offers a unique opportunity to patrons and locals alike.

“Our Center Moriches location is unique because you can visit the library and then go in for a cup of coffee, whether it’s a cold brew or a café caramel,” she said.

Café caramel is a favorite in the community, according to Collins. It’s an espresso drink with steamed milk, but its sweet dose of caramel is likely the secret to its success. As for other favorite drinks and menu items, Collins said café staff are still learning what people like, but that a specific part of the menu is ordered from often.

“The espresso and latte menu are definitely popular in the community,” she said. 

Learning community preference is important to the café’s owners, as is being an active part in the community. The Belkins are often seen at parades on Main Street and other community events, and café staff dress up for community holidays, as they did for the St. Patrick’s parade, held on Main Street in March.

“We’re super excited to be a part of the Center Moriches Community,” said Collins. “We try to do as many local and community-minded things as possible, especially when it comes to the local children. We think of the café as a place where families can come in to enjoy baked goods, soups and sandwiches, and then read a book together.”