Americans drink 517 million cups of coffee every day, making it the most popular drink in the United States, according to the National Coffee Association.
Water comes in second, eliciting a big “meh” from most, as it isn’t nearly as interesting a beverage as its caffeinated counterpart. “A yawn is a silent scream for coffee,” reads one popular quip on the brown beverage.
Alex Rojohn is among the many who are passionate about coffee. In November, he opened Down to Earth Café in Legacy Park in Mechanicsburg and now is working to share his enthusiasm with others.
The 19-year-old caught the coffee bug while volunteering at the Cracked Pot Coffeeshop in Mechanicsburg.
“I was attracted to the coffee shop atmosphere, before realizing the love and passion I had for making drinks and talking to customers,” he said.
After his stint at the Cracked Pot, he moved on to become a barista at IDEA Coffee before assuming the position of manager. Before long, he was managing both IDEA locations at the walkable, planned west shore communities of Arcona and Walden.
Today, Rojohn finds himself in yet another planned community, joined by his parents and partners, Jules and Jeff Rojohn, who previously worked in retail management.
The family chose Legacy Park for the rapidly growing community that eventually will house more than 450 households, as well as the shop’s location on a main drag there. It’s also a very attractive space, with an openness that allows customers elbowroom to the floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the establishment with light, allowing the social media crowd to post the most Instagram-worthy shots of latte art.
As for décor, Rojohn chose earthy colors in hues of orange and brown, which, in turn, give the place a bit of a mid-century modern vibe.
“Much of our furniture is upcycled,” Rojohn said.
A standout feature, which immediately catches the eye, is a dramatic, backlit metal sign that hangs above the orange couch in the middle of the room and contains their logo—a cup of coffee with steam rising up, which morphs into plant shoots. Rojohn explained that the carving was done with high-pressure water.
Seating is a combination of couches, wooden tables and chairs (engraved with coffee cups) and a bar up front so customers can chat with baristas while watching the action.
Always Testing
Down to Earth Café offers a full coffee menu, everything from drip coffee to espresso, macchiatos, cappuccinos and lattes, with coffee sustainably sourced from Lemoyne’s Lonely Monk Coffee Roasting. Also on the menu is a selection of seasonal kombuchas and teas ranging from black to green to herbal from Camp Hill’s One Good Woman.
For breakfast, the shop features avocado toast, frittatas with seasonal ingredients, breakfast sandwiches, acai bowls and a selection of “breads and spreads.” Lunch is comprised of paninis, seasonally changing soups and a selection of sandwiches.
With the menu, Rojohn’s goal is to provide the customer with healthy and flavorful options.
“I’m always testing, trying to make high-quality, gluten-free items,” Rojohn said.
Jeff Palm, executive director of the Mechanicsburg Chamber of Commerce, said that an independently owned shop helps to enhance the community feel of Legacy Park.
“Not having corporate affiliation will assist in building the sense of belonging as its offerings can be developed to the local residents and patrons’ tastes,” he said. “It is a welcome complement to nearby Wolf’s Brewing and the other incoming options that make up the expanding landscape of Legacy Park.”
Chris Moulton, who lives in the area, said that he stopped in recently and felt very at home.
“It’s a great atmosphere,” he said, choosing a peppermint mocha latte and a slice of banana bread. “It was a great way to start the day.”
Rojohn said that he’s excited to embark upon this new journey where he can make a difference.
“I feel like I’m making an impact with our mission, which is running a business while implementing sustainable practices that are eco-friendly,” he said.
Rojohn loves the community aspect, too.
“I meet people from all around—Messiah students, Mechanicsburg High School students, office workers and Legacy Park residents and enjoy building those relationships,” he said.
Rojohn added that he couldn’t do it without his team.
“They are amazing, and it’s great to work in such a friendly environment,” he said. “That’s so important, and our team is one of my favorite things about this place.”
Down to Earth Café is located at 100 Legacy Dr., Mechanicsburg. For more information visit www.downtoearthcafeco.com.
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