the BOP Joins the Hartford Chamber
Describe your business in one to two sentences.
the BOP is Hartford's first and only specialty coffee roaster. Our mission is to share a thoughtfully curated menu of fresh, delicious coffees, while investing in the city's youth.
Why did you join the Hartford Chamber of Commerce – what’s the value?
I joined the chamber because I wanted to connect with other individuals and businesses that care about the future of our city and have skin in the game.
My hope is that through connecting and supporting one another, we can add more vibrancy and amenities to our region's urban core.
Why Hartford? How did you decide on the location for your business?
I fell in love with Hartford after moving here for my first job (teaching world languages at Achievement First in the North End). The people here are kind, hard-working, and truly diverse - racially, culturally, linguistically, religiously, you name it. It's a historic city with beautiful parks and architecture, and it's a short trip away from all sorts of other New England gems.
For all its assets, Hartford has an undeservedly bad reputation. The longer I've lived here, the more convinced I've become that the negative narratives are self-reinforcing. I have been inspired by other entrepreneurs and organizations that believe Hartford's best days are ahead of it, and choose to buck the trend and invest in the city and its people.
Tell us about the neighborhood and what makes it unique.
Walking around Parkville, you'll hear conversations and read signs in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. It is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in an already walkable city, and it has some of the best food in all of CT.
Parkville was once a manufacturing hub, and today those old factories are becoming hubs for arts, dining, and innovation. Just to name a few: an old lumber mill is now an acclaimed food hall; an old sewing machine factory is now an art gallery and movie theater; an old tire factory is now home to a host of businesses and families. And we're just getting started.
What is the best thing about living/working in Hartford?
Walking from my house to my shop. I get to pass through a gorgeous park, and nine times out of ten I'll have a chance to stop and chat with one of my neighbors and fellow business owners.
Learn more about the BOP and visit their website, or connect with them on Instagram here!