With the opening of two new locations at West Penn Hospital in Bloomfield in late October and the Westin Hotel at Liberty Center Downtown in November,
Crazy Mocha Coffee Company now claims 20 total locations and employs more than 100 people company wide.
More of a traditional coffee kiosk than some of its other stand-alone stores, the West Penn Hospital location uses the entire lobby as its stage, allowing for an open setting. The 900-square-foot location at Liberty Center offers ample seating with 24 tables and a complete menu of desserts and sandwiches in addition to tea and coffee drinks.
Owner Ken Zeff has already opened eight new locations this year alone, but he’s not slowing down. Another Downtown location is already under construction in the old Westinghouse Building, 11 Stanwix St., now the home of advertising giant
Brunner. His 10th Downtown location, set to open in the first quarter of 2009, will occupy 1000 square feet of Brunner’s heavily trafficked lobby.
Zeff has been working with Jill Joyce of Lawrenceville-based Joyce Design Group since store number five. “We’re putting a lot of effort into the design of this particular store given its high-profile location. We’re still in development but I expect this to be one of our most unique interiors with a lighting and color scheme that really stand out.”
When asked about his continued success despite the slowing economy, Zeff points to his deep roots in the community. “The hope is that our customers understand we’re just a local Pittsburgh business committed to staying and growing here.”
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Writer:
Lauren UrbschatSource: Ken Zeff, Owner, Crazy Mocha Coffee Company
Photograph copyright Brian Cohen