BY CARLY NICHOLS

Sometimes you need a place for conversation, connection, community, and a great cup of coffee. Let us introduce you to Rustic Roast, Pennville’s newest premier coffee shop.

Owner Brinley Byler opened the shop just a few short months ago and hasn’t stopped moving since. Rustic Roast is what you might think of as a family affair. Byler’s dad, Rueben, and his company, Extreme Builders, helped her get the shop in tip-top shape before she opened her doors. Her sister, Dakota, and close family friend, Katrina, work at the shop.

When you think of coffee shops, you may have preconceived ideas about the type of beverages you can order, but let Rustic Roast change your mind about that. Of course, you can get traditional coffee and coffee beverages made with locally sourced beans. However, Rustic Roast also offers a large assortment of specialty drinks. You can order lemonade, smoothies, and even hot chocolate.

Byler’s face lit up when she told me about her Lotus energy drinks. These plant-based drinks offer options to suit different health needs and come in a slew of delicious flavors. Byler said

her favorite drinks in the shop are the Lotus energy drinks in any of the tropical flavors.

The shop doesn’t just stop at drinks. Along with their breakfast menu, they offer a rotating list of baked goods, including cheesecake cookies, energy bites, cinnamon rolls, and more. I myself brought Biscoff cookies, mini cakes, a cheesecake cookie, and a couple of Scotcheroos back to the shop for the linemen. These treats were devoured in about five minutes. I can’t think of a better review than that.

The future is looking warm and bright for this small coffee shop. They have purchased a location very nearby (the empty carwash just down the road) and hope to expand there soon. This will offer them the potential for a drive-thru and more table space.

Byler’s main hope for the shop is that it has a warm, welcoming, cozy, and rustic feel. She was inspired by a faith-based shop she once saw in Kentucky and felt that, when she had her own place, she “knew I wanted to have people come in and feel welcomed.”

After seeing the shop in person, I say come for the coffee and stay for the comfort and community. You can keep up with Rustic Roast on Facebook and Instagram, or you can order online at rusticroastpennville.com.