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“Not just any coffee” is the motto of a brand-new coffeehouse in West Babylon that locals are raving about in online reviews.
“Beautiful coffee shop! Super clean and very nice service. Best of all, they have COLD BREW,” remarked a Yelper named Sara R., who was describing her five-star experience at the recently opened Sergi Coffee & Roast on 780 Sunrise Highway.
It took six trips to Colombia, 32 visits to different farms, and over 60 samples to find the distinct arabica bean that’s now used to create newly minted fan favorites in West Babylon like that 24-hour cold-brew, said owner Ibrahim Sergi.
Same goes for the other in-house roasted coffees like cappuccinos, frappes, lattes, and espressos.
“I’m from Turkey and we drink coffee a lot,” said a laughing Sergi.
Sergi, who has lived in West Babylon since 2003, didn’t always know he wanted to open a coffee shop; he was busy with his heating oil company Yankee Oil. But as business did well, Sergi started gaining interest in finding a new venture during the oil offseason.
It wasn’t until he took a trip to South America to visit a friend where he found his new calling.
“When you taste good coffee you know,” he said, “and when I tasted it in Colombia it was delicious.”
His initial trip propelled Sergi to go back-and-forth to Colombia to find better and better products. He even took a roasting course.
On June 10, Sergi Coffee & Roast officially opened for business and the response has been gratifying, said Sergi.
“We have steady customers it is very nice,” he said.
Aside from the traditional coffee and barista drinks on the menu, Sergi’s also touts its Turkish coffee, which resembles espresso and includes two Turkish delights, which taste like sweet licorice.
The shop also sells fresh baked goods like donuts and bagels, as well as refrigerated foods like wraps and fruits. They even have smoothies.
For those who want to replicate Sergi’s coffee at home, you can pick up their bagged beans in three different roasts.
Sergi said that he is in the coffee industry now for the long haul.
And he’s looking to open even more on the island.
Many coffee shops on Long Island “just worry about the price,” he said. “And I say, ‘You know what? These people deserve a nice tasting coffee.'”
IF YOU GO
Sergi’s is located on the Sunrise Highway South Service Road in West Babylon.
If you’re coming from the east, get off Exit 39 on Sunrise Highway toward Hubbards Path. Merge onto the North Service Road and turn left onto Hubbards Path. Then turn left again onto the Sunrise Highway South Service Road. Sergi’s will be on your right.
HOURS
Monday-Friday: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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