Buffalo Brew, a local coffee shop located at 24 N. Second St. in Newport’s square, is under new ownership. Newport High School alumna Ava McGuire and her friend Molly Feinberg officially took over the business from its previous owner and alumna, Lindsay Brunner, on February 10.

After graduating from Newport, McGuire went on to pursue a variety of coffee-related jobs. With her experience from working at Buffalo Brew as a teen, McGuire worked in specialty coffee shops in Harrisburg. It was during these years that she met Feinberg, who is originally from Harrisburg. 

The pair plan to keep many core aspects of the business, including the drink menu and the other local, small businesses represented with merchandise within, such as Earth Fed Muscle, Buffalo Creek Candle Company, Kai Bella Company, PCCA, and Lenka Bars. They will also retain similar hours of operation, with the exception of closing on Mondays moving forward. McGuire and Feinberg are dedicated to the shop remaining a specialty coffee shop, with coffee beans hand-selected and roasted. They are adamant that specialty coffee differs in taste and method from the coffee of larger corporations. 

McGuire and Feinberg plan to add new flavors to the menu. They also have plans for new syrup and drink flavors, brewing methods, and specialty drinks. They want to emphasize coffee education in aspects like sourcing, processing, and flavor development of America’s favorite drink. Additionally, they see Buffalo Brew as a hub not only for its existing community activities, but also for new, coffee-centered events like latte art competitions.