This Organic Coffee Shop Closed Its Somerset County Location

RARITAN, NJ — After almost two and a half years, Bridgewater native Steven Chiocchi closed his Raritan location of Ambee Coffee.

"While this space has been a meaningful part of our journey, the foot traffic in that area has remained too light to sustain the store’s long-term success — especially with our Somerville café just over a mile away," wrote Chiocchi on Ambee Coffee Co.'s social page.

The store at 101 Second Ave. in Raritan in the shopping center off Route 202 near the Somerville Circle, closed on Sunday.

All of the Ambee team members in Raritan will remain working and be moved to the Warren and Somerville stores.

While one door is closing, others are opening for Chiocchi.

"We're also excited about what’s ahead. We have new locations in the works — places that we believe are truly the right fit for Ambee and our mission. We can’t wait to share more with you soon," said Chiocchi. "Thank you for your continued support and belief in what we’re building. Our journey is just getting started."

Most recently, the Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, have partnered with Chiocchi to create a special Jersey Diners Blend of coffee. Read More: Somerset Patriots, Bridgewater Local Team Up To Brew New Coffee Blend

The Jersey Diners Blend, celebrating the Patriots’ award-winning Jersey Diners alternate identity, is a limited-edition dark roast coffee originating from Columbia, Honduras and Timor that features walnut, chocolate and cherries.

The coffee will be available at Ambee Coffee locations in Somerville and Warren as drip coffee. Additionally, 12 oz. whole bean boxes are also available at Ambee Coffee and the Patriots Team Store at the ballpark.

The name of the cold brew shop, Ambee is definitely unique. The name Ambee is a word Chiocchi, a Bridgewater-Raritan High School graduate, made up and is a play on the word ambient. He launched Ambee on Amazon and online before opening his coffee shop in 2018 for his coffee product line. Read More: Somerville Coffee Shop Rebrands Itself Again, This Time For Good

The name also aligns with his organic coffee line that is light- or ambient-themed. The coffee product names include Aurora, Orion, Eclipse, and more.

For more information visit ambee.coffee or facebook.com/ambeecoffee or instagram.com/ambee_coffee.

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