Fostering Community Connections, One Delicious Cup at a Time

MERRICKVILLE – Smack dab in the centre of Merrickville lies the hub. The Village Bean Coffee House is a sweet bustling hive of activity, especially just before shops open when everyone is getting their first coffee of the day.

“It’s Merrickville’s meeting place in the morning,” owner Robyn Fredrickson says. At a table next to us sits a group of village entrepreneurs sharing, laughing and strategizing. “The coffee shop is a place for connection” she adds as she greets people passing our table.

Years ago Robyn found herself laid off from work in pharmaceuticals. She picked up shifts at the coffee shop located on the same premises. Eventually, she learned of the opportunity to purchase it. On April Fools Day 2011, she and her father Kurt, who had been working in Michigan, took ownership.

“The shop stayed open during the Pandemic and remains a seven-day operation. Merrickville is a wonderful place to have a business, I am blessed for the location and grateful for the people who continue to work here and the customers who support us.” Robyn said. Bright and early every morning, the shop assists villagers and visitors in starting their day. “I think we are a constant in the village, people count on us to be here,” she added.

New additions to the menu include a selection of Maverick’s Donuts. These gourmet items are available only on Saturdays. The coffee house is well known for its homemade carrot cake topped with plenty of sweet and rich creamy icing. The coffee is roasted weekly, specifically for the shop. There are two custom blends, Merrickville Medium and Village Bean Dark Roasts. Specialty coffees like cappuccinos, espressos and gourmet teas are offered as well as hand-crafted sandwiches and delectable soups made fresh in-house. The Village Bean is a featured café in the Fresh Baked Adventure Tour.

Robyn volunteers time in the Chamber of Commerce’s Streetscape working group. “We are working towards having a consistent Victorian theme throughout our village core, in addition to celebrating different events, holidays and seasons throughout the year,” Robyn says. The committee raises funds for projects such as improvements to public washrooms and refreshing signage by selling branded tote bags available for purchase at local businesses including the Village Bean Coffee House.

As the table next to us begins to wind down their gathering, Robyn reaches over and does an introduction, ever mindful of the benefits of a connected community. Another business owner leans in and adds “This is the heart of the village.” Robyn looks forward to the future like a bottomless cup of coffee, continuing to fill hers with warm community connections.

Visit The Village Bean Coffee House at 205B St. Lawrence Street in Merrickville, call them at 613-269-4646. Check their website and social accounts on Facebook and Instagram.