Decorating one wall at Kornerstone Coffee’s newest location on the first floor of the historic Larkin Center of Commerce are three large photos dating back to 1921 and 1922 featuring heavily clothed workers roasting and packing Larkin Club Coffee. Just a few feet away from the photos, a steady flow of customers place their orders for today’s locally roasted, freshly brewed coffees — along with a variety of other fresh foods and beverages — at Larkinville’s newest eatery.
Kornerstone Cafe & Juice Bar @ Larkin opened its doors to the growing Larkinville community just a few short weeks ago. If the name sounds familiar to you, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. Owner Jamie Dinero has been a staple at local farmers’ markets, festivals and high-profile events since she began roasting coffee in Kenmore in 2010. In December 2016, she opened her first brick and mortar cafe at 33 Elm St. in East Aurora, just steps from Main Street in the heart of the thriving Roycroft arts community.
“We are honored to share our passion for healthy nutrition with the community,” said Dinero, the head of this growing family operation. “We invite everyone to stop in and try one of our delicious menu items, including our fresh cold-pressed juices, fruit- and veggie-based smoothies, sandwiches, salads, homemade soups and, of course, our very own artisan roasted coffee. We have plenty of vegan and vegetarian options available, too. Everything we serve is all natural, with no artificial colors or flavors added.
“I also love the way coffee brings people together to share moments and build community. To be able to pair that with my other passion — which is making simple, clean food — is truly a dream come true.”
In addition to the many food offerings, everything about the newest Kornerstone location has an inviting, natural feel to it, including the wall murals created by local artist Alix Martin and beautiful furniture handcrafted from locally sourced reclaimed wood. And through the large glass wall in the rear of the cafe you can see hundreds of locally made products from an era gone by on display in The Larkin Gallery, which is free and open to the public.
Kornerstone Cafe & Juice Bar @ Larkin, at 701 Seneca St., Buffalo, is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Orders can be placed in advance by calling 322-0237. Online ordering is also offered at kornestonecafe.com.
For more information on this unique family business, please visit kornerstonecafe.com. You can also follow the company and both cafe locations on Facebook for frequent updates.