The Mudroom opens in former Gourmelos Market in Shoreham

For Kyle and Jack Maurelli, opening a café wasn’t just about starting a business. It was about creating the kind of place they wished existed in their own hometown.

That vision became reality this month with the opening of The Mudroom at 99 Route 25A in Shoreham, a warm, inviting café designed to bring neighbors together over fresh coffee, wholesome food and house-made baked goods.

“We live in a food desert here,” Kyle Maurelli told Greater Long Island. “We were always looking for a place to go, to hang out, to have a wholesome time, connect with the community, and enjoy good coffee and healthy food.”

Rather than keep searching, the couple decided to build it themselves.

The opportunity came earlier this year when the former Gourmelos Market became available just minutes from their home. After speaking with the property’s owner, who was ready to sell, the Maurellis began transforming the space into what is now The Mudroom.

The café’s name reflects exactly what they hope it becomes.

“It’s the space between ‘out there’ and home, the first room you walk into,” Kyle said.

That philosophy carries throughout the café, from its caramel-brown, color-drenched interior to its cozy blend of vintage and modern design. The couple completely gutted and renovated the space to create an atmosphere they felt was missing in the Shoreham area.

The same thoughtful approach extends to the menu.

The Mudroom focuses on simple, clean, organic ingredients while avoiding artificial dyes and seed oils. Rather than offering an extensive menu, the couple intentionally keeps things small, emphasizing quality and freshness.

One of the café’s signature features is its fresh-milled flour.

“My husband cooks. He’s self-taught as a hobby, baking sourdough and everything,” Kyle said, crediting Jack as the café’s head chef. “He’s just really good at it and he loves it.”

That passion comes to life through breads, rolls and baked goods that are milled and baked on-site daily.

“We want to educate the public on the nutritional backing — why fresh-milled bread is better for you,” Kyle said.

The baked goods are available daily while supplies last.

Beyond the bakery case, The Mudroom has quickly become known for its specialty drinks, including four signature lattes that have already become customer favorites. The café also serves high-protein, low-calorie, water-based protein shakes in a variety of flavors.

The lunch menu features sandwiches, soups, protein-packed pasta dishes and customizable salads.

“We’re big salad people, and we struggle to find a good salad in our area,” Kyle said.

Animal lovers haven’t been forgotten either. The Mudroom even offers a small menu of fresh treats made especially for dogs, inspired by the couple’s four pets.

As the café settles into the community, the Maurellis say getting to know their customers is every bit as important as the food they’re serving.

“We’re taking time to get to know everyone. We want to learn everyone’s names,” Kyle said. “This is a place where you feel you belong.”

The Mudroom is open Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The café is closed on Mondays.

Top: Kyle and Jack Maurell at their brand-new café, The Mudroom at 99 Route 25A in Shoreham. (Credit: Julianne Mosher)

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Photos by Julianne Mosher