It started with Babylon Bean and now the teams behind the beans are counting a third coffeehouse location on Long Island.
Not long after opening Bay Shore Bean in 2016, the Bean of Patchogue will be taking over the Queen City Cupcakes location at 62 West Main Street.
“Patchogue is the place to be,” said Rob Cutrone, 24, of West Islip. “And it’s a great place for a young entrepreneur to live, to work, to play, and to be involved in a community that’s growing.”
Cutrone will be the face of the Patchogue Village location, which he’s opening with partners Sal Gervasi — who purchased Babylon Bean in 2010 — and known coffee roaster Dwight Amada.
Those same partners also started East End Coffee Roasters in October 2016. The wholesale roasting company based in Center Moriches supplies all the Bean-brand coffeeshops, as well as other local coffee purveyors.
Queen City Cupcakes, which is now closed, opened 3 and 1/2 years ago and quickly established itself as a go-to spot not just for gourmet cupcakes and macaroons, but elegant tea parties — something not many Long Island downtowns offer.
Owners Lisa Lancieri and Andres Rivera are looking to move down South, with Lancieri ready to retire.
“The timing was right for us,” Lancieri said. “Being here has been amazing; we’ve made so many friendships and the chamber is amazing and it’s been such a fun ride. But I’m looking to retire and go enjoy life a bit more.”
“And the transition [to the Bean of Patchogue] is going to be amazing,” she continued. “We love that they’re coming here because we are familiar with their other establishments [in Babylon and Bay Shore] and we know how wonderful they are.”
Cutrone got his start in business with a DJ company, Press Play Events & Entertainment, that has since grown in the past four years.
He points to his background in music and entertainment when speaking of the vibe he’s looking to bring to Patchogue’s newest coffeehouse.
“We’ll have open mic nights and known performers on Friday and Saturday nights,” he said. “We’re also entertaining the idea of a comedy night. There will be a stage built for people to play music, sing or read poetry.
“But our number one attraction is our East End Coffee,” he continued. “We’re going to be serving what we believe to be the best coffee on Long Island, made from some of the best beans from around the world; we’re licensed in over 30 countries.”
The Bean of Patchogue will also offer retail space where patrons can purchase dry goods or their own beans for home — with discounts on all coffee for active military, veterans and emergency responders.
Aside from barista drinks, all the Beans serve breakfast and lunch items, bakery goods and acai bowls.
The makeover will begin soon, and the partners are hoping to open around the holidays.
“The plans are all in place,” Cutrone said.
