The Sought After Coffee Experience
Written By Cari Ellen Edgin
Photos By: Austin Dominguez
Long gone are the days of brewing a pot of black coffee at home being your only option for a daily caffeine fix. Local coffee shops are becoming more popular with each passing day and there is a reason they are so very special. Brio Coffeehouse, Inc., with locations in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania and Greencastle, Pennsylvania, allowed us to spend a day learning about their establishment and what sets them apart from the standard “franchise” coffee joints. After seeing the ins and outs at Brio Coffeehouse, you are sure to want to visit for yourself.
THE HOW:
At Brio Coffeehouse, there are so many behind the scenes specialties that many patrons don’t realize are happening to make this place so special. Did you know that Brio roasts their own coffee? Not only do they roast their own coffee but they use a special technique called air roasting, which has been proven to be a cleaner and more effective way to roast coffee. The idea is to have a clean coffee with lots of flavor, which they do very well.
Outside of the coffee realm, Brio uses a local Matcha from just a short drive away in Pennsylvania and gets a small batch of homemade Chai from a local vendor unlike any others that you will find elsewhere. They also have their own baker who makes delicious treats like muffins, scones, and cinnamon rolls. The flavors change often but even if they didn’t, it would be impossible to tire of these yummy goods.
THE WHAT:
Brio works very hard on the quality of their products and where they come from, but their menu really impresses. From a basic black coffee to Frappuccinos, macchiatos, lattes, cappuccinos, hot chocolates (or frozen hot chocolates), smoothies, refreshers, teas, and so much more, Brio has something from everyone. The atmosphere is perfect to bring the whole family or gather with friends.
Brio Coffeehouse specializes in coffee and hot chocolate “flights.” If you have never heard of a flight, it is a variety of drinks in a smaller size to allow you the benefit of trying different types and flavors of drinks. These have become increasingly popular over the last couple of years but Brio is one of the only establishments that you will find offering them locally. They also change their flight flavors to offer seasonal options. Last Fall, Brio included Apple Crumble, Maple Cinnamon, Pumpkin Spice, and Chai all as a part of their Fall Coffee Flight and plans to do something just as creative this year. For the hot chocolate flights, you can choose any of their flavors that they have listed on their flavor board. Some, but not all, of these flavors include toasted marshmallow, peppermint, vanilla, caramel, white mocha, and many more.
Along with their freshly made baked goods, Brio offers a fairly large breakfast menu that is available all day. Some of the heavier breakfast items include breakfast sandwiches that can be made on English muffins or croissants, while some of the lighter breakfast options include bagels, avocado toast, and acai bowls. With the extensive menu, you can pair a different drink with a different food item time and time again.
THE WHEN:
Brio Coffeehouse has spent a lot of time preparing and perfecting their one-of-a-kind coffee and hot chocolate flights, so it is important to know some details about when to go. Because of limited seating at each of Brio’s locations, they can typically accommodate week-day flights with drop by visitors but if you plan to visit on the weekend, you should make a reservation online to ensure you have a spot to sit and enjoy your flight. However, they are available during all open hours to meet your food and drink needs. Download their app “Brio Go” on Apple and Android devices or visit their Facebook page to check out all they have to offer. https://www.facebook.com/briocoffeehouse
