WELLSBORO — Little Pine Coffee Company is brewing delightful beverages and fostering connections in Wellsboro. Owned by duo Lori Laubenstein and her daughter Samantha Nicoletta, this mobile coffee truck brings a variety of drinks to the community each week, making it a local favorite.
Community-Centric Coffee
The mobile coffee truck parks at UPMC Wellsboro’s upper lot every Tuesday, offering classic coffee drinks, espresso, energy drinks, and caffeine-free options for children. “Why do we do this? We’re both nurses, so we drink a lot of coffee,” explained Laubenstein.
A Dream Born in the Wild
The inspiration for a coffee truck emerged from the pair’s hunting trips in the West, where they noticed a scarcity of familiar coffee chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’. “We often patronized coffee shacks and small businesses, and it was something we always wanted to do,” Laubenstein shared. Seeing the rise of coffee trucks in nearby areas motivated them to turn their dream into reality.
Thematic Offerings
Little Pine’s menu reflects the spirit of northern Pennsylvania, featuring signature drinks like the Golden Eagle, Rails to Trails, and Pine Creek Spark, among others.
Local Roots and Community Support
Basing their operations in English Center, they also have a permanent spot at Gamble Inn Farm in Jersey Shore. Their extensive travels include visits to various regional UPMC sites and popular local businesses, including a recent stop at My Neighbor’s Closet in Mansfield.
Wellsboro holds particular significance for Laubenstein and Nicoletta; both have ties to the local community, with Laubenstein previously serving her clinical rotations at the Green Home and Nicoletta attending high school in the area.
“The Wellsboro followers are incredibly supportive,” noted Nicoletta, who manages social media and graphic design for Little Pine. “(Employee) Stacy receives a warm welcome every time she’s here.”
The customer base includes hospital employees, patients, and local residents. “We often see people walking their dogs who come over to browse, then go home to get money,” Laubenstein mentioned. “Once, a satisfied patient even left a $50 bill to cover others’ coffee.”
“There’s a real spirit of generosity and a ‘pay it forward’ mentality in this community. Doctors frequently buy coffee for nurses as well,” she added.
Winning Hearts and Contests
Wellsboro’s community support played a pivotal role in Little Pine recently winning the Cup ‘o Code contest. This competition, akin to a March Madness for coffee businesses, awarded them a digital media package and a championship belt. “The people here showed up for us,” Laubenstein remarked. “We were up against 64 other companies, but their enthusiasm pushed us to the top.”
Nicoletta emphasized the personal touch from their supporters: “They contributed the most votes, and it transformed our little stand into something special.”
Future Endeavors
Little Pine Coffee Company is exploring opportunities to participate in community events such as Wellsboro First Fridays and Dickens of a Christmas. Currently employing eight staff members, they are also planning to expand by launching another mobile coffee truck soon.
Key Takeaways
- Little Pine Coffee Company operates a mobile coffee truck in Wellsboro, serving a variety of coffee and specialty drinks.
- The coffee truck was inspired by the owners’ experiences on hunting trips out west.
- The menu features drinks that reflect the unique culture of northern Pennsylvania.
- Community support has been integral to their success, highlighted by their recent contest win.
- They plan to expand their operations with additional events and another mobile truck.
FAQ
What types of beverages does Little Pine Coffee Company offer?
They provide a range of classic coffee drinks, espresso, energy drinks, and caffeine-free options for children.
Where can I find the coffee truck?
The truck is located at UPMC Wellsboro’s upper lot every Tuesday, along with other regional events.
How did Little Pine Coffee Company start?
The idea originated from the owners’ hunting trips where they encountered coffee shacks and dreamed of starting their own business.
What community events is Little Pine planning to attend?
They are looking to participate in Wellsboro First Fridays and Dickens of a Christmas.
For more information, schedules, and special appearances, visit Little Pine Coffee Company on Facebook.
