By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

NAPLES— Consuming coffee claims an important place in people’s daily routine.

A new Aroma Joe’s store offers another spot where people can indulge in their coffee habit. Or grab a breakfast item. Or not have to drive as far for their favorite RUSH flavor. 

On Monday, the newest Aroma Joe’s opened up for business in Naples.

A grand opening will be held about 4 to 6 weeks from now, according to Elijah Washburn, local store marketing manager for Aroma Joe’s Franchising, LLC.

“An exact date has not been set yet” for the grand opening, Washburn said.

The address of the new Aroma Joe’s is 12 Lakes Plaza Dr. It is located on the far left end of the plaza, which is accessible from Route 302. The plaza is next to Aubuchon Hardware building, and fairly close to the Route 11 junction.

While this coffee locale might be new to town, its owners (franchisees) are no strangers to running an Aroma Joe’s.

“This new location is owned and operated by a longtime team of Aroma Joe’s franchisees, Maryna Shuliakouskaya, Aroma Joe’s CEO Loren Goodridge, and Mark Carey. This esteemed team has been with Aroma Joe’s as owners-operators since 2013,” according to a press release (PR) put out by Aroma Joe’s and dated Jan. 9.

This team owns six other Maine locations: Gorham, Kittery, Oxford, Saco, Scarborough, and Winslow, the PR said.  

The Lakes Plaza location is both a drive-through and a coffee house. There is room for people to order and sit inside. The space is about 1,725 square feet.

Per usual, this Aroma Joe’s  “will feature handcrafted coffee and espresso drinks, unique flavor infusions, signature AJ’s RUSH® Energy Drinks and all-day food options,” the press release said.

Getting a coffee at Aroma Joe’s can be calming on the conscience because growing the beans did not devastate forests in other countries.

“The chain’s proprietary coffee blends are craft roasted and Rainforest Alliance Certified which means they are sustainably grown and ethically sourced,” according to the PR.

The crowd that used to buy energy drinks in a tall, thin cans now goes to the Aroma Joe’s drive-through, too.

“And their signature AJ’s RUSH® Energy drinks have resonated with a new generation seeking their daily energy in new and unique beverages,” the PR said.