New specialty mobile coffee cafe opens in Gilpin
A one-woman barista is stirring up the coffee scene in Gilpin.
Gilpin native Damia Lorenz, 29, opened The Caffeinated Co., a mobile coffee cafe, on Aug. 21.
On most days, you’ll find the trailer parked and operating from a vacant lot next to Stu’s Truck & Auto at 352 Route 66 in Gilpin.
The compact white trailer is Lorenz’s domain, as she brews, mixes and whips up hot and cold specialty coffee drinks, soups and sandwiches and homemade desserts.
Owning a business is the culmination of Lorenz’s wish to have control and flexibility with her work schedule.
“It’s my first business and I’m excited. I’m hopeful to have something to pass on to my son. I want to plan around my son’s life so I’m not missing big events,” said Lorenz, whose son is 3.
Lorenz graduated from Leechburg Area High School in 2012 and resides in West Leechburg.
After various stints working in nursing homes and a brief time at cosmetology school at Lenape Technical School in Ford City, Lorenz said she gravitated toward a coffee-themed career because she loved her first job working as a barista in Leechburg when she was a teenager.
She scoured the internet for a suitable trailer to buy, finally locating one in Westmoreland County that fit her budget.
“Stu’s lets me park here, and I pay the monthly electric bill,” Lorenz said.
In Gilpin, customers can drive through or park and walk up to order, but Lorenz encourages customers to use the drive-thru option, especially with colder temperatures on the way.
Gilpin Supervisor Charles Stull extended his best wishes to the new business.
“I’m excited to see a business setting up in the business district in Gilpin. I welcome The Caffeinated Co. and hope the best for them as they continue to set up in the area,” Stull said.
Lorenz cooks the featured specials that include a daily soup and food items.
Her friend, Sue Ruffini of Allegheny Township, does the baking.
The trailer is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
Lorenz plans to expand her mobile reach this fall with appearances at locations in Gilpin, Leechburg and Allegheny Township.
She uses a mobile app, WTF Where’s The Foodtruck, to keep customers informed of her schedule.
Lorenz combines coffee with chatting during her work shifts.
“The best thing is getting out there and meeting people — you get your regulars — and it’s social,” she said.
The top-selling drink is the Salted Caramel Sweet Foam Cold Brew, followed by the Toasted Marshmallow Latte and Red Bull splash drinks, she said.
Drink prices range from $2.50 to $6.75.
Desserts sold include pumpkin rolls, pizzelles, brownies, cookies and biscotti.
Feedback from her customers is encouraged.
“It’s been trial and error, figuring out what the locals love best and the foods they’re interested in,” Lorenz said.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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