A new independently-owned coffee shop and café is coming to 88 Morgan Street, and the shop’s moniker should ring a familiar bell for folk music fans.
After almost a decade of remaining dormant, the retail space in Downtown Jersey City’s Trump properties is starting to spring to life. The latest entry, on the corner with Washington Street, is Maggie’s Farm Espresso, an Australian-themed café that’s currently being constructed.
The café is indeed named after the famous Bob Dylan song where the music legend croons that he “ain’t gonna work on Maggie’s Farm no more,” an idea owner Sam de Burgh relates to considering his background. “The song is about one’s desire to not ‘work for the man’ anymore,” de Burgh explains, a feeling he frequently grappled with during his previous life in the corporate world.
de Burgh was born and raised in Perth, Australia, moving to the United States eight years ago. After years of the rat race in finance, he says it was always a dream to start his own business, and he’s happy to have found a product in coffee that he really cares about.
“Coffee is an everyday thing for lots of people,” says de Burgh. “For me, that morning coffee is the key to setting yourself up for the day, and I’ve always looked for a great quality product, served by a friendly barista who knows my name and order. That’s what makes those few minutes of solace special, and we are are looking to make the day a little brighter for folks and send them out in a better state.”
Maggie’s Farm Espresso is partnering with Counterculture Coffee, a supplier that sources their beans from multiple small estates and cooperatives to ensure the highest quality. The food menu at the café will be curated by Perth-born chef Paul Salmeri, who previously trained at Italy’s Apicius International Culinary School and later worked at the Michelin Star restaurant The River Café in London.
Salmeri’s menu at Maggie’s Farm Espresso will change seasonally and feature healthy breakfast and lunch options, using organic ingredients when possible. Items include avocado toast, seasonal paninis, sandwiches, and salads, plus some grab-and-go options like parfaits for those on the move.
The space itself has been designed by locally-based Dixon Projects and will feature a rustic vibe in keeping with the farm theme. Barn doors will soon be installed in the entryway and the café will sport two distinct sections. The first, next to the main counter, will feature barstool and counter seating next to a large window, while a separate section down a few stairs will be catered towards diners wishing to catch up with friends or have a business meeting.
“This renovation is something we’re really excited about as it’s our first café fit out in the city where Dixon Projects started,” says Dixon Projects Project Manager Mike Maroon. “We’ve completed a number cafes in New York and Brooklyn, and being able to add one in our home community is really special. Working with Sam has been a great experience and we can’t wait to finish bringing his space to life. We have no doubt that Maggie’s Farm will become a go-to location for your caffeine-fix and quality food downtown!”
de Burgh says Maggie’s Farm Espresso will be open seven days a week and is seeking a true neighborhood vibe. “We want to focus on the experience for residents and become ingrained in the community,” he says.
Maggie’s Farm hopes to start serving customers in early October, and will open early at 6 a.m. and close at 4 p.m. Those interested in following their build-out and learning about opening perks and discounts can follow them on Instagram at the handle @maggiesfarmespresso.
