Calabria Coffee
Business
In New Hartford, New York, the heart of the community beats strong and steady at Calabria Coffee. For the past four years, owners Erika and Bryce Lamberto have welcomed everyone from local Girl Scout troops selling cookies to retirees sharing memories, and have hosted occasions from small business meetings to first dates. The Lambertos pride themselves on serving the highest quality coffee beverages, along with baked goods they source from partner small businesses. Even more important to these entrepreneurs is serving their community with a smile, kindness, and great customer service, which is why Calabria Coffee is always abuzz with activity.
Challenge
Launching a coffee shop business had long been a dream for Erika and Bryce. When the opportunity was right – meaning the ideal location – they jumped on it. A circa 1890 storefront located on the town’s village green was the perfect place to bring the community together. Of course, with a historic structure comes an enormous amount of renovation work, in addition to all the modern equipment needs of a food services business. The timing posed an added obstacle was the timing. In 2021, the pandemic was still hampering the most established gathering places. The fact that the couple was expecting their first child very soon took the challenge to yet another level.
At KeyBank, we found people who believed in our new business venture as much as we did.
Erika Lamberto, Co-Owner, Calabria Coffee
Solution
The Lambertos turned to KeyBank for an SBA-guaranteed loan, which offers favorable terms for small business startups. Erika recalls, “At KeyBank, we found people who believed in our new business venture as much as we did, at a time when most banks were shooing away food service startups.” As part of one of the nation’s premier SBA lenders, the New Hartford KeyBank business banking team viewed the Calabria Coffee concept as a much-needed piece to their community. The initial SBA loan provided funding for everything from new floors and ceilings to updated plumbing and electrical systems. To truly set the Calabria Coffee experience apart, the couple was able to secure a unique technology that creates custom artwork and images on the surface of their beverages.
Our team at KeyBank continues to look for ways to support our business, like helping us to refinance our loan and set us up well for the future.
Bryce Lamberto, Co-Owner, Calabria Coffee
Results
Taking a prudent “one day at a time” approach, the Lambertos have steadily grown their customer base, staff, and offerings. Having added bagels, croissants, scones, and cookies to their menu, there always seems to be a new reason to stop in. Their continued creativity has paid off. “Our team at KeyBank continues to look for ways to support our business, like helping us to refinance our loan and set us up well for the future,” says Bryce. Erika adds, “Everyone at KeyBank has been so supportive, and they continue to believe in us.” When asked about their future goals, the Lambertos are staying the course. Erika says, “We just feel very fortunate to be part of this community and to have a positive impact on it.” Now with two young children, the couple dreams of involving a second generation in their business someday — meaning Calabria Coffee looks to remain at the heart of New Hartford for years to come.
To learn more, contact a local KeyBank Relationship Manager or visit key.com/sbalocations.
To learn more about Calabria Coffee, visit calabriacoffee.com.
