The idea for a Mercury Coffee Co. storefront has been brewing for a while.
In March 2024, Kyle and Isabelle O’Gara of Greece launched the business, serving lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos from a cart with its own plumbing system that Kyle built from scratch.
The couple's strategy was to start small, keep overhead low, and get their footing.
After working dozens of events from here to Hammondsport, they decided to add a brick-and-mortar location.
"We always wanted this to be the end goal — to have somewhere to call home," said Kyle, 27, sitting at a table inside Mercury Coffee Co. at 681 South Ave. in the city’s South Wedge neighborhood.
The shop, which seats 16 across seven tables, opens its doors at 7 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, and thereafter will be open every day except Monday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
It's already getting a lot of visitors who assume it’s up and running.
“Every day, all day,” Isabelle said. “I can’t wait to open the door.”
The O'Garas got the keys to the place (formerly Coffee Connection) on May 1, and DIY renovations commenced on May 2.
The Mercury logo, designed by Isabelle, pays homage to Rochester and one of its skyline’s most recognizable features.
Green paint on the walls is meant to evoke the Mercury statue’s green patina and stands in contrast to cream-colored wainscotting.
Isabelle picked out the shop’s fixtures, and Kyle stripped and stained the wood countertop.
It's been a lot of work.
“We have been here eight, sometimes 12 hours a day every day,” Isabelle said.
Sixteen sometimes," said Kyle. "It's like spinning plates.
Now it’s down to finishing touches.
In addition to coffee drinks brewed from beans supplied by Intelligentsia Coffee, the Mercury Coffee menu includes baked goods from Baby Cakes Bakery and on opening day, Butterjoy Bakery .
But the O'Garas' goal is to offer more than just caffeine and sustenance.
My favorite thing in the whole day is my morning coffee," said Isabelle, who gave birth to the couple’s first child, Oliver, 20 months ago. "A lot of times, Kyle will make me a latte or a French press, and I get to sit with my son and really enjoy it. You know, a lot of times I’m rushing throughout my day. I don’t always get to eat lunch or dinner right when I want to. But coffee’s one of those things I try to make time for every day.
Kyle definitely sees Mercury Coffee as a place for people to slow down, reflect, and connect.
“That’s what we’re striving to create here,” he said. “I mean, certainly, you can grab your to-go coffee,” he said. And within the next few weeks, window service will start at the back of the building, which also has a patio that once set up will seat 12.
However, 'Meeting a friend for coffee can be such a uniting experience,' said Isabelle, who also handles Mercury Coffee’s social media.
She and her husband met while students at Bishop Kearney High School and married four years ago. Kyle’s background is in commercial video production. He also works on the business side of his father’s medical practice.
Until recently, Isabelle worked in floral design and social media management for Stacy K Floral on Russell Street. That business also is home to Winter Swan Coffee, operated by Quynh Bui. Isabelle helped facilitate Winter Swan’s opening a few years back, and she and Kyle said Bui has been an invaluable resource during the Mercury Coffee launch.
The two have also received a lot of support from their extended families. Kyle is one of six children, and Isabelle is one of eight.
“We couldn’t do it without our families,” Isabelle said.
The business community has been supportive, too, she said. Mercury Coffee has been welcomed with open arms by South Wedge businesses. Martine Fox's Deli, which now operates The Bagel Shop by Fox's on Park Avenue , has reached out about supplying bagels to Mercury Coffee.
"Everybody’s really excited to have us here," Kyle said.
Down the road, the O'Garas hope to expand the drink menu, open a couple nights a week, and host live music and shows by local artists.
Right now, the focus is on the coffee, and the coffee is meant for everybody.
“Our drinks aren’t overly sweet,” Kyle said. “They’re not overly bitter. They’re not burnt. You taste it, and it’s just refreshing. I like to pay attention to the details. So, everything meticulously chosen to be on the menu has been trial-and-errored.”
Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers general assignments and has an interest in retail news. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on X @MarciaGreenwood .
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: New coffee spot in Rochester blends craft, comfort, and connection: Take a peek
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