Write a commentThe following is an interview conducted with Tary Hoyt & Brian Parkhurst, Owners of the Coffee Connection:
IHO: How long have you lived in/Has the business been in Oswego?
BP: I grew up in Mexico, NY, so have been a resident of this area my whole life.
TH: I was born in Florida, but spent most of my childhood in Central Square. I’ve been a resident of Oswego for about the past 12 years. Coffee Connection on the other hand, has existed in some shape or form for over 20 years. It began in what was originally the Left Bank Gift Shop, changed ownership a couple of times prior to our purchasing the business in August of 2020.
IHO: Has owning a business/this type of business always been the dream?
BP: I currently own and operate a construction company, as well as co-own the building where Coffee Connection has found a home. Harbour Hall is an event venue that exists on the upper floors of the building which I help manage. While I had been considering a career change, I can’t say that coffee was what I anticipated.
TH: I’ve spent 20 years in the service industry, most recently working at La Parrilla, but knew I wanted to build something for myself. Owning and operating a coffee shop is a new endeavor for Brian and I, but one we’re embracing fully! Paul Fauler, who owned the Coffee Connection prior to us, has been a wealth of knowledge, an amazing mentor and friend throughout the process.
IHO: When you aren’t busy running your business, what can you be found doing?
BP: We both work other full-time jobs! Our free time is spent building upon and improving the coffee shop however we can!
TH: In addition to working at La Parrilla; I care for my father, am raising a teenager and help my mom with her marionette business. <Editor’s Side Note: The Marionette Magic Theatre at 4916 Route 104E, operates on Sundays, June - August, and was created by Regina Schaefer. Tara was introduced to puppeteering as a child and continues to help her mother keep the art alive.> I have a full schedule, but the Coffee Connection is my serenity.
IHO: What project are you proudest of/was the most fun to create?
TH: I’m proud of our effort and taking the time to learn and become knowledgeable about the coffee trade. It has allowed me to get to know another aspect of the community and has given my son an opportunity to work here learning a new skill. I am proud that we are navigating through COVID in a positive direction. We are working on offering online ordering w/curbside pick-up, adding soups and sandwiches to the menu, growing the outdoor patio space with increased seating and a firepit. We are also working towards delivery within the city limits.
BP: I just love that I get to work alongside Tara creating beautiful things together.
IHO: What was the best community experience you’ve had since starting your business here?
TH: The support from the community and the sense that they really want small businesses to succeed in Oswego has been incredible. This past Halloween we offered a fun event for the kids, Nightmare on Second Street. With the support of other local businesses, we were able to create an event for the kids that was fun, safe and memorable. We look forward to more community events in the future!
Coffee Connection is speakeasy styled classy coffee shop located at 22 W Mohawk St, Suite 1 in Oswego. They offer a wide variety of specialty coffee drinks, teas, and bulk beans (ground our whole). It’s a great place to relax and read a book, get some work done, or even listen to some live music. They are open Monday - Wednesday 8am-4pm, Thursday & Friday 8am-5pm, and Saturday 9am-5pm. To contact the Coffee Connection call 315-312-0177, or message them through Facebook.
