When Jamie DiNero bought Kornerstone Coffee from her former employers in 2010, she knew she was taking on a challenging venture. But she saw an opportunity, weighed the financial risks, and moved full speed ahead. Her business objective is to deliver a great cup of coffee. That’s what she does on Thursdays from 3-7 PM at the North Buffalo Farmers Market.
Kornerstone Coffee is making a lot of friends at the market. A popular vendor, the company has attracted many regulars who stock up every week on a wide variety of Kornerstone’s locally roasted beans. Patrons can also purchase a freshly brewed cup of medium and dark roasts, iced coffee and tea drinks, and fruit smoothies.
In this highly competitive business filled with giants like Starbucks and Tim Horton’s, DiNero strives to set Kornerstone Coffee apart with a customized approach to service. She spends time talking to her customers to find out what they are looking for and will “custom roast” to suit their taste and has even branded some of these blends with a customer’s name.
Kornerstone also offers a convenient home delivery service. “It’s at your door when you want it,” says DiNero. The number of customers on the delivery route has increased 200% since she started the service and it continues to grow.
DiNero and her seasonal staff of six set up shop throughout the summer at several markets and events around WNY.
These venues allow her and her employees to connect with customers one-on-one which fits in nicely with the company’s customized approach. “People like the fact that we are a small business and local. We can’t be beat on quality.”
The original owners of the company distributed coffee roasted by other suppliers. Soon after purchasing the business, DiNero opened a facility in Kenmore to roast her own coffee locally. In addition to her individual customer base, she sells to eateries and cafes and provides proprietary blends to restaurants. This is a side of the business she intends to grow.
The North Buffalo Farmers Market is located at Holy Spirit Church on Hertel near Delaware. The market is open Thursdays from 3-7 PM through November 6th. For more information contact northbuffalofarmersmarket@gmail.com.
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