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North Suffolk is brewing up a new place for people to get their coffee fix.

Knotts Coffee Company, in Suite 110 at 1500 Bridgeport Way off of Bridge Road, held its grand opening this weekend.

The coffee shop, locally operated by J.T. Holt and Dylan Huffman, will have a variety of locally roasted beans for their espresso-based, nitro-tapped and drip coffees.

“We can’t wait to get the community in the door for our opening so they can see what we’re all about at Knotts Coffee Company,” Holt said.

The two are operating a business for the first time, but have a combined 40 years working in managerial positions in the service industry.

They put out soft-opening invites to everyone on their mailing list.

“We’re so thankful for the people who have rallied behind us, before even tasting our coffee,” Huffman said.

The coffee shop has COVID-19-compliant seating, a mask requirement and cleaning protocols for staff. The shop also features a grab-and-go window to provide a contactless coffee experience.

Huffman said it was challenging to get up and running during the coronavirus pandemic, but he and Holt believed starting this type of business would work well not only for its location in the Bridgeport and North Suffolk community, but it also allows them to offer different type of services based on people’s level of comfort during the pandemic.

“Being able to work through the early stages of the pandemic and really being able to figure out  the ebb and flow of what people are comfortable with, and what people respond well to,” Huffman said, “I think that really put us in a position to where we felt confident that we’d be able to come up with an easy grab-and-go concept that the public would enjoy a lot.”

Huffman said they had explored other concepts, citing national trends toward ghost kitchens and strictly delivery or take-out, but ultimately decided on a coffee shop, and on Knotts Coffee Company, in particular.

“We wanted to be able to retain some of that dine-in aspect, as broad as we could make it,” Huffman said. “(If) you don’t feel comfortable dining-in, we have wonderful homemade treats and fantastic brewed coffee for you to take out.”

For those wanting something other than coffee, it also offers a variety of hot and cold beverages, smoothies, sandwiches, salads and grab-and-go items. It is also in the process of securing an ABC license to allow it to serve alcoholic beverages. Bridgeport residents can get free delivery, and people can order online at knotts.coffee.

“Dylan and I are focused on fostering an exceptional work environment,” Holt said. “My years in this industry have all pointed to the same conclusion, when you maintain a positive work culture, it yields fulfilled staff members and a loyal customer base.”

Knotts Coffee Company will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.