The time reads 8:00 AM on a Saturday morning in Flemington, and Alkemy Coffee Co. has just opened its doors. Within minutes, the coffee shop on the corner of Stangl Road is bustling with local regulars and newcomers alike, some grabbing a drink to-go while others linger, chatting with the baristas or taking a seat to complete some work. The roastery is filled with the delicious smell of freshly brewed coffee while the sound of espresso machines rumble over soft jazz. Alkemy Coffee Co. is more than just a place for a quick cup of coffee, it’s a welcoming and creative community space and an ideal example of local small business success.
Since its founding just over a year ago, Alkemy quickly became a community staple. Its welcoming, mellow ambiance and variety of delicious year-round and seasonal options make it a go-to stop for anyone in town. “At Alkemy, we embrace our constant evolution as we are never done refining our product and what it is we offer for the community,” expressed Sean Banisch, an employee who has worked at the cafe since it first opened.
Alkemy is conveniently located on Stangl Road in the Flemington community, which attracts customers who may be in town for different reasons, such as the weekly farmers market next door or a class at Flemington DIY. In fact, the location of the cafe is part of what makes Alkemy so unique. Alkemy is located in what used to be the Stangl Pottery Factory. The building was used for pottery for over 100 years, from 1814-1978. Now, the building continues to display the last remaining periodic brick kiln of its type in New Jersey. At Alkemy, customers can sit inside the renovated kiln, which now holds benches and a table. Some customers even write messages and hide them in between the brick walls of the kiln for other guests to find, creating a sweet and memorable tradition for anyone who visits. “The building now houses about 7 businesses, all coexisting within its walls,” explained Sean. “This place will always feel like home.”
Alkemy was founded shortly after the abrupt closing of the long-beloved Factory Fuel Co. in December of 2023. The founders, Benjamin Weinman and Valentina Killough, jumped at the opportunity to fill Flemington’s sudden need for a local coffee spot. The founders aimed to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere with Alkemy: a goal they easily achieved through their various menu options, cozy interior, and friendly staff.
Alkemy offers a variety of classic coffee drinks from lattes to macchiatos and Americanos. With the various syrup flavors they offer, these drinks are endlessly customizable. You could choose a classic flavor like vanilla, or opt instead for something a bit more unique, like blueberry or lavender. “The first specialty latte we came up with was something I dreamed up as we were designing the shop and its menu,” Sean explained. “We knew we needed something that could be synonymous with Alkemy’s dark academia vibe, and thus the Goth Latte was born.” The Goth Latte contains blueberry syrup, activated charcoal powder, and oat milk, and is one of the several specialty lattes Alkemy offers, including Orange Cardamom and Honey Lavender.
If coffee is not your thing, Alkemy also has a variety of different teas, both hot and cold. One of the things that makes Alkemy so unique is its strong focus on herbalism and wellness. While they have all your average tea options– like English Breakfast or Earl Grey– they also offer countless medicinal teas, such as their anti-inflammatory Turmeric Ginger tea, or the Mystic Mint tea that helps with digestion.
Along with these functional herbal teas, Alkemy also sells unique aromatherapy products in-store. They also occasionally host wellness workshops, where those interested can learn about holistic health and herbalism.
Aside from these workshops, Alkemy also participates in various community events and hosts weekly Open Mic Nights. “Alkemy prides itself on being connected to the local scene, constantly hosting and putting on local events that enrich the fabric of our arts and culture district while bringing together the community,” described Sean. He continued to elaborate by explaining how the shop has “a close partnership with Art Venture, a local artist showcase collective.”
Alkemy also regularly hosts local musicians, artists, and other creatives. “We try to make space for any artist that wants to be heard,” said Sean. Aside from Open-Mic Nights, Alkemy also hosts regular local music shows. “As one of the owners is a musician, we do our best to make music one of the pillars that Alkemy stands on.”
The coffee shop recently celebrated one year since they first opened the doors to their business. In just this short span of time, Alkemy has already solidified its place in the community by providing a welcoming and safe space for everybody. “Although things are still very new, the name of the game at Alkemy is to grow, build, and expand, while focusing on the craft and ensuring that we provide a mindfully consistent and excellent product and experience,” said Sean.
So, whether you might be looking for a local spot to share your creativity, a cozy space to unwind with loved ones, or simply a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee, Alkemy has something special to offer everyone.
