By Don Steen ~ Staff Writer • [email protected]
Those who missed the “soft” opening of Sycamore Street Coffee House during the Holiday Season are welcome to come check out the newest hangout spot in Rockport. The coffee house, located in the remarkably revamped former gas station across from Obermeier Hardware, is operating in full vigor going into 2024, with plans to expand its menu and amenities going into spring.
John Obermeier set out to restore the former service station early last year, a daunting task as it had sat vacant since 2001. From the start, he envisioned leasing the rehabilitated building out as a cafe or lounge, somewhere for Rockport residents to relax, chat, and enjoy some fresh coffee.
As it happens, the local construction business has a pretty wide network. Jason DeWeese of Second Story Homes told John that he and his wife, Julie, had been entertaining the possibility of opening up a coffee shop for some time. From there, it didn’t take long for the concrete and rock canvas of the restored service station to take on a much more cozy atmosphere.
Julie and Jason DeWeese are longtime residents. Julie’s family moved here with the power plant when she was very young. Jason grew up in Hatfield. Julie is in her 24th year as a nurse, and Jason has been in the construction business since the age of 18.
The opportunity to open a coffee shop came at an opportune time, as the couple’s children are now in high school and on their way to the next chapters of their own lives. Opening a new business is a considerable change of pace, but Julie noted she had, “always wanted to try something different.”
A coffee shop has been on many residents’ wish list for quite some time, but even with a ready partner in John Obermeier, it’s a major commitment. Jason pointed out that starting any new business, particularly a restaurant or cafe, comes with a lot of challenges even beyond finances.
“I think the road block for people, honestly, is the unknown,” he said. “Starting something that you’re not familiar with. God’s blessed us. We’ve been fortunate enough to pull it off. We put a lot of prayer into it before we started.”
Read more on this story in this week’s issue of the Spencer County Leader!
Featured Image: Owner-Operators Jason and Julie DeWeese are excited about the new opportunity before them as they opened Sycamore Street Coffee House in Rockport
Fixer Upper: Some before shots of the exterior and interior of the service station that was renovated into the Coffee House
New Shop on the Block: The finished exterior and revitalized interior of Sycamore Street Coffee House
