Leechburg’s sole coffeehouse celebrates its eighth anniversary this month.
CoCo Coffeehouse, located at 163 Market St., offers more than beans and brews — a goal of homemaker-turned-barista/owner Nikki Saxion.
The bright and cozy cafe occupies an historic building and offers a casual hangout complete with exposed brick, antique tin ceiling, gas fireplace and seating for about 27.
CoCo offers a variety of breakfast and lunch menu options such as bagel and croissant breakfast sandwiches, homemade soups, paninis, flatbreads, sandwiches, salads and vegetarian options.
“I felt compelled to get back into the food service industry because I missed the energy and working with the public and being creative,” Saxion says.
Saxion grew up in North Apollo, working as a dishwasher, bus girl and waitress in several of her uncle’s Italian restaurants. At CoCo, she resumed all of those roles, plus chef.
“Owning my own business has been challenging. Consistency with my product is essential and I have myself to answer to. It’s rewarding when customers keep returning to CoCo,” Saxion says.
CoCo opened in 2011 serving more than 14 coffee varieties.
“I’m grateful for my customers. They allow me to open my doors every day and, for my family, that helps me keep everything else in my life going smoothly,” Saxion says.
Seasonal homemade specials are a staple here and Saxion insists on fresh ingredients.
“You can taste the difference and the quality of the ingredients reflect in the final food product,” Saxion says.
Saxion recently added a “Grab N’ Go” cooler at CoCo, stocked with sandwiches, soups, desserts and more for her customers that are limited on time.
“It was suggested by customers and there are a lot of people on lunch breaks stopping in and wanting something quick,” Saxion says.
The homemade dressings at CoCo include Saxion’s own honey balsamic and lemon garlic vinaigrette recipes.
“I buy the honey balsamic dressing that Nikki makes and I take it home,” says frequent customer Breanna Schall of Leechburg. “For me, it’s the best spot to eat in town and I love the iced peppermint coffee.”
In 2017, Saxion expanded, opening CoCo Coffeehut, a drive-thru coffee shop in Kiski Plaza in Allegheny Township.
“Customers are loving the Cheesecake Pumpkin Pie Frappuccino right now,” Saxion says.
Saxion says the years have flown by and CoCo is like a “third child.”
“It has grown with me because I started when I was 31 and my two children were babies. We have evolved with the business as a family,” Saxion said.
