HOULTON, Maine — Aroma Joe’s artisan roasted coffee blends and signature drinks are heading north with a new drive-thru location planned along Route 1 in Houlton later this year.
Since its founding by four Maine cousins in 2000, the Scarborough-headquartered business has expanded to 121 shops along the East Coast, in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New York and Florida.
The new Houlton location will be the only one north of Bangor, where a shop opened last year.
“Having visited the Houlton-Presque Isle area and Aroostook County numerous times, we have recognized a strong community spirit and a need for more coffee options,” said communications consultant Mary Zanor. “We’re excited to bring Aroma Joe’s to this region.”
While the specific site is not finalized, the shop will be built on the east side of U.S. Route 1 across from North Court which is south of I-95 and north of U.S. Route 2 near McDonald’s. A Wendy’s is also planned for a nearby location.
On Monday, Aroma Joe’s shops were offering a blast of shamrock fun, including Irish Kicker Latte, Cold Brew and Green Thumb Rush, flavored with green apple, pineapple and kiwi and infused with shamrock sprinkles.
The menu features a long list of coffee options as well as infused drinks like a Blue Hawaiian with citrus and pineapple, a Green Alien (green apple and blue raspberry) or a Frozen AJ’s Rush, made with a choice of flavors. Food items include a spicy chorizo egg and Gouda flatbread, a ham, egg and Swiss cheese croissant and an egg, bacon and Gouda Tuscan roll. Not to mention grilled cheese stuffed soft pretzels.
According to Zanor, the senior vice president of Regan Communications, the company that manages Aroma Joe’s communications, they anticipate the Houlton location will be open by the end of the year.
Currently, the proposed store is going through MaineDOT engineering and Houlton town and planning board reviews to work out traffic flow and other details such as bicycle parking.
“The specific address is still being finalized,” said Zanor. “However, currently, it is part of lot 121 North St.”
The first Aroma Joe’s opened in East Rochester, New Hampshire. And the company’s rapid expansion is tied to bringing franchisees into the fold several years ago, according to company reports.
The Houlton shop is owned by franchisees Maryna Shuliakouskaya, Loren Goodridge and Mark Carey, who own 10 other Aroma Joe’s in Maine.
The development of Aroma Joe’s in Houlton is a great example of how new investment can energize the local economy, said Johanna Johnston, executive director of the Southern Aroostook County Development Corp.
The project brings a new business to the community and lets other out of the area businesses know that Houlton is growing and open for development,” Johnston said.
“When businesses see new life and activity in a community, it creates momentum that can attract additional investment and spur further growth,” she said. “We’re excited to welcome Aroma Joe’s and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our region.”
