Denim Coffee is opening its second location in downtown Harrisburg at the Menaker Building, in collaboration with Harristown Enterprises. Last fall, Chamber members gathered in this empty space for Coffee & Connections (a monthly networking event) and a got the behind-the-scenes tour of what Harristown President and CEO Brad Jones would be a must-visit coffee shop one day.
The connection between Denim Coffee and Harristown began when Denim was scouting the Harrisburg market for their first café at 401 Walnut St. During this search, they met with Jones who introduced them to several commercial spaces. Although Denim ultimately chose a different location for its first café, the company was impressed by Harristown’s commitment to revitalizing downtown Harrisburg. “We recognized the passion for the city that Brad and Harristown have,” Tony Diehl, co-owner of Denim Coffee noted.
Jones shared that the collaboration with Denim Coffee primarily came about through connections made at Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC events. “We’ve gotten to know Denim Coffee through our connections with HRC/CREDC and events like Coffee & Connections,” Jones said. The partnership solidified at one of these events. “We met and discussed the possibility of another location at Coffee & Connections,” he added.
This collaboration is a shining example of how the Chamber & CREDC’s networking opportunities like Coffee & Connections play a vital role in uniting local businesses. The Chamber & CREDC strives to be a catalyst for regional prosperity by creating an environment where businesses can thrive. Denim Coffee’s vision aligned perfectly with Harristown’s development plans for downtown Harrisburg. “Denim understood the need for the UPMC campus, Harrisburg University, and nearby hotel locations to be well served by the Menaker Building,” Jones explained.
This understanding, coupled with Denim Coffee’s strong brand and commitment to the community, made them an ideal partner. “Brad and his team have the vision and resources to help us execute a world-class café,” said Denim Coffee. Their collaboration aims to bring a vibrant new café to downtown Harrisburg, serving as a hub for coffee and community. Jones emphasized the importance of this addition to the downtown area: “At Harristown, our mission is all about making downtown Harrisburg better in all ways—having a new first-class coffee shop with a strong brand like Denim is a huge asset in enhancing downtown for visitors, workers, and residents alike.”
The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC’s commitment to supporting local businesses is further illustrated by this successful partnership. The Chamber & CREDC’s efforts to drive community and economic growth are evident in how they connect businesses like Denim Coffee and Harristown Enterprises, fostering collaborations that contribute to the vibrancy of Harrisburg.
The new location will be Denim Coffee’s largest to date, featuring window bar seating, a spacious dining room, and a reservable conference room. The menu will include Denim Coffee’s signature espresso and coffee, along with baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, smoothies, and fresh roasted coffee beans for home brewing. The team is excited to create a space that fosters connection and community in Harrisburg.
Looking ahead, Denim Coffee is eager to see where their partnership with Harristown will lead. “We are excited to play a small part in what makes Harrisburg such a great city and look forward to new and exciting opportunities,” they shared.
Jones also sees a bright future for the partnership with plans to continue showcasing Denim Coffee at future Coffee & Connections events, possibly even hosting one at their new location. “We intend to showcase Denim in future Coffee & Connections events, even perhaps at their new space in the near future,” he said.
For other businesses, the experience of Denim Coffee and Harristown highlights the value of building relationships within the local community. “Through the Chamber and CREDC events, I have been able to establish and grow important relationships and friendships that have enhanced our business tremendously,” Jones noted. His advice to other businesses looking to form strategic partnerships and leverage local connections for growth is straightforward: “Join the Chamber! It’s the best way to network in this community.”
This collaboration, which led to Denim Coffee opening its second location in the Menaker Building, is part of a broader effort by CREDC to foster business growth in Harrisburg. Notably, CREDC provided an Enterprise Zone loan to one of Harristown’s affiliates when they initially converted the Menaker Building into apartments. This loan, from CREDC’s revolving loan fund, originally supported industrial, technological, or manufacturing projects. However, over time, the fund’s restrictions eased, allowing CREDC to support special economic development projects like this one. This financial backing, combined with the connections facilitated through Chamber events like Coffee & Connections, has been instrumental in enhancing the downtown area and contributing to the city’s vibrancy.
The partnership between Denim Coffee and Harristown is a testament to the strength of the Harrisburg business community and the exciting developments that can arise when local businesses collaborate, supported by the Chamber & CREDC’s dedication to regional prosperity.
