It’s been barely a week since we were devastated by the news that Phoenixville’s music anchor, Steel City Coffeehouse, was closing the doors to years of song, good times and a great cup of joe. So bear with us if we are now over-the-moon ecstatic to have discovered that Ed Simpson and Laura Vernola have taken over the reins as the new owners (the deal was inked on Thursday).
We wanted to find out what these two energetic locally infused entrepreneurs have in mind for one of our favorite music venues in Phoenixville—so we asked them.
Do you realize you’re both “mini-heroes” to the area? What ties do you guys have to Phoenixville, and how important is the community to you?
Ha, not sure about “mini-heroes,” but we’ll take it! I moved to Phoenixville when I left Garces Restaurant Group to work for Greener Partners as Marketing and Community Outreach Director. Most of my outreach was in the immediate area, and I quickly made friends in this kind and hospitable town of ours. Ed moved to Phoenixville a few years ago and just fell in love with the town.
Tell us about Grassroots Marketer’s role in this venture.
Grassroots Marketer will be performing all the marketing and promotion for Steel City, just as it does for its other clients. Thankfully, we have a dedicated and talented team at Grassroots Marketer that will help us continue our success.
What made this an offer you couldn’t refuse?
Not to sound cliche, but it was a bit of a “perfect storm.” We have been talking about opening a cafe or B&B for some time and when we heard about Steel City closing its doors, we jumped at the opportunity. We both love Phoenixville, it is an ideal location, and the fact that both Ed and I are music lovers only added to its appeal.
Do you two have experience with this type of venue? How are you going to integrate your personal organic philosophy here?
Yes and yes! I use to own a restaurant in Northern Liberties and hosted many different local acts during our open mic night. Ed has been working in hospitality for most of his life and also has experience as a musician, playing in a variety of venues. Food and cooking have always been a huge passion for both Ed and myself.
Are you planning any alterations to the space? Any plans for the wall mural outside?
No major alterations, with the exception of a few cosmetic touch-ups here and there. We do not believe that the wall mural outside is ours to paint or not paint, but we are certainly going to find out.
When will you be open for business?
We are shooting for 2–3 weeks from now.
Can we expect the schedule of music to remain, or are you re-creating that from scratch?
Some of the shows that were previously booked have been canceled, but we are working to honor the previous schedule as best we can.
Will the coffee and menu remain the same?
It will not. We will assess the current coffee and try others, as we really hope to source locally. As for the menu, we will be sourcing locally as much as we can. We are hoping to do a Chester County cheese plate, both hot and cold sandwiches, soups and more!
How long have you two been a team? Tell us about your wedding plans.
Aahhhh, the wedding! We are getting married on September 10 in our backyard with Farm Truck Philly and Silverspoon in Wayne. Ed and I dated around 18 years ago, when we both lived in New Mexico. About 4 years ago, we reconnected on LinkedIn and he fell madly in love with me … hahaha.
With Ed and Laura planning to share nuptials this September, we can’t think of a better wedding gift than supporting these two in this incredible venture and rebirth of a Phoenixville institution.
Find Steel City Coffeehouse at 203 Bridge St. in Phoenxville.
- Photo at Steel City: Laura Vernola
- Photo of Ed Simpson and Laura Vernola: Kim Simpson Photography
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