If you’ve passed thru the heart of downtown Bridgewater recently, you might have noticed a new sign swinging above a bright and welcoming yellow door on Main Street. Sugar & Bean Cafe, the newest cafe in Bridgewater, is now open and serving breakfast, lunch, coffee, and smoothies.

Now for a little bit of history…Owner and Bridgewater resident Heather Benin has been serving up delicious treats and coffee since 2015. She started at the Bridgewater Farmer’s Market and also migrated north to the Harrisonburg Farmer’s Market. Her healthy smoothies became a favorite with JMU college students and her popularity continued to grow throughout the area. To read a little more on her story, check out their website!

The new home of Sugar & Bean—a circa 1850’s brick house on the corner of Virginia and N. Main—had been sitting vacant for about two years and was likely to be torn down. But Heather had other plans. She purchased the home in early 2019 and got to work fixing it up. The hard work certainly shows in the fresh, clean, and charming feel of the cafe.

When you visit, make sure to notice the original hardwood flooring on the second level. The first floor boards had to be replaced, but got creatively re-purposed as the bars and countertops.

Everything is made in-house in their small yet efficient back kitchen. Service is friendly and prompt. The menu items are named after Bridgewater parks and roads. Run your eyes down the list of delicious breakfast picks—all parks. Lunch? All main roads in town. You’ll also see a salad named after Charlie Richcreek—a notable figure in Bridgewater’s history—who previously owned the house. Want to see more? Peruse their full menu on the website.

Perks of opening a cafe in an old house? Bedrooms become quaint dining spaces. Charming mantel pieces showcase local artisans. And there are plenty of nooks and crannies for conversation—perfect for a business meeting or coffee with a friend.

The Sugar & Bean Team are currently working on drive-up ordering (coming soon!). You’ll be able to call or text a dedicated phone line, order, and have your food or drinks brought out to you!

Be on the lookout for patio seating once the weather warms up! Stay in the loop on their social media!