Boro Bean — Restaurant in Hopewell

The wood-fired bagels that they used to burn across the street in Nomad Pizza's oven has been a tradition for many years. This was the reason I used to make a special trip to the Bean on Sundays. The new woman owner Karoline was extremely rude when I asked her about it, saying: "That was BEFORE." She also said that I'm not allowed to have my bagel brought to my table, and that I had to stand and wait for it at the counter because it was "busy." It was not busy whatsoever - in fact, the porch was empty, and only 2 tables were occupied inside.

I asked the woman clerk if I could buy Small World coffee beans and have them ground. She was very kind and said "of course." I asked the clerk which ones were the darker roasts, and the new owner then interrupted us, and pointed to a stack of cards on the counter saying "you have to read it," with a condescending smile. There were about 12 cards that did not have any descriptive words on them about the roasts, so I had to pick one out blindly.

It's important for me to point out that I did nothing to incite any hostility from this new owner. This attitude was not targeted at just me, since she was dismissive to the other employees behind the counter as well. She kept jumping into everyone's conversations and correcting all of the employees publicly.

I noticed later that the sticker on the bag of ground coffee said "thanks for supporting MY business," which completely discredits the previous family who owned & rooted the café down in Hopewell Boro.

After I sat down at my table on the porch, the new owner came up to me to make sure that I had understood her rule regarding customers waiting for bagels at the counter. She said that this rule ONLY applies to bagels, and that the previous owner Johnny was the one who made up this rule - I sincerely doubt this. I've been coming here for over a decade and have never been expected by the Abernathy family to serve myself my own bagel, especially after having tipped 20%.

Hopewell Boro has been known to be a small quaint historic walking town for eons, and it's highly disconcerting to encounter a rude new owner of an old Hopewell Boro staple with long-standing traditions. It used to be packed, especially on Sundays. I have not seen any of the regular customers lately.

Also, the hours don't make sense for a café. 8am to 3pm every single day is quite limiting. There used to be a group of 3 or 4 lively & happy retirees that would meet every weekday morning at 6am. They certainly made my morning whenever I'd see them and they were very much a part of the small town feel. I imagine that they've had to find someplace else.

I doubt I'll come back even though I live only a block away. I'll take the longer walk to Brick Farm.

P.S. The mock gemstone bracelets that are now being sold for $25 each at the counter cheapen the already tacky overall vibe. I'm not certain about how they are...

I used to work at Boro Bean, so visiting is usually a pleasure and blast from the past. My most recent visit was a horror. There’s been a few changes in management since I was employed there, but the most recent change has turned this place downhill. I took my partner to Boro Bean when visiting my family, and I was embarrassed to witness the lack of professionalism and downright rudeness of the new manager to both myself, my father, and one of her more elderly employees named Andrea. The new manager, named Bri or Bre (spelling unsure), was straight up rude to poor Andrea right in front of us as we tried to order. I don’t think it’s right to speak to anyone in the condescending manner Bri / Bre talked to Andrea, let alone an elder, let alone an employee, let alone right in front of customers. We put in a big order, breakfast and beverages for four people, so we racked up a high bill quickly. My father changed his mind for his food order and upon asking this Bri / Bre if he could change, she rolled her eyes and was very short with him. Not only that, but my dirty chai latte tasted like there was no espresso and lacked flavor… felt VERY watered down. I don’t usually complain since I have worked in food service, but I was genuinely convinced there was no espresso. When I mentioned it to the barista, a young man, he countered that there was coffee in it. All I know is when I trained to barista, that drink wouldn’t have gotten by 🤣 The food is delicious! Get a panini! Get it to go and hope you don’t have to deal with an eye roll...

Boro Bean truly is an undercelebrated gem in our community. Every visit unveils a masterclass in culinary innovation, especially with their breakfast dishes. The "Sunny Farmhouse Delight" is a case in point—a flawless ensemble of sun-dried tomatoes, the freshest arugula, creamy avocado, and an impeccably cooked egg with the most luscious runny yolk, all nestled within a perfectly toasted ciabatta. It's a symphony of flavors and textures in every mouthful.

And let’s talk about the coffee! Sourced from top-tier beans, each cup boasts a rich aroma and smooth finish, offering the perfect pick-me-up whether you're starting your day or taking a mid-afternoon break. It's evident that they've honed their brews to perfection.

My companion's "Boro Farm Breakfast" was equally impressive. Crispy bacon that was neither too thin nor overly thick, eggs scrambled to velvety perfection, golden roasted potatoes with just the right hint of rosemary, and a slice of their house-made sourdough that seemed to echo the very essence of comfort food.

Now, while browsing reviews, I did notice a sprinkling of negative comments. But frankly, they smack of the nitpicky complaints we've all seen from those who seem to revel in being hard to please. Don't be swayed. Boro Bean offers an authentic, heartwarming experience that resonates long after the last bite or sip. It's a testament to what passionate cooking and brewing can achieve, and more people should be singing its praises. Highly...