Branch Street Brews Online Sales during Pandemic

BOARDMAN, Ohio — A shift in sales has helped keep Branch Street Coffee Roasters percolating during the coronavirus pandemic.

Sales of bagged coffee are up 30%, says co-owner Matthew Campbell. The trend began when Branch Street was forced to close its outlet at 1393 Boardman-Canfield Road in the spring, but has continued as customers who used to commute daily now work from home.

“I think those same people have started to develop their own coffee brewing habits at home on the way to their commute to their living room,” Campbell says. “As we’ve opened back up, they’ve also come in to purchase coffee in person.”

With the holiday shopping season in full swing, Campbell expects sales of bagged coffee to be closer to 40% of total revenue, he notes.

Campbell recognizes that some customers are still avoiding lines and drinking coffee in the shop. After reopening, the shop launched a mobile app that lets customers order and pay for their drinks ahead of time, so they can walk in, grab their cup and walk out. Branch Street also offers curbside service, he says.

“That gives us the opportunity to plan for the next couple minutes ahead of us when we see those coming through so it’s ready on time,” he says.

Hear from more of our region’s locally owned coffee shops and bakeries in our On the Menu series at AfterHoursYoungstown.com.

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