Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Sabine

Jess, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

When I was attending college outside of Philadelphia, I took a job at a local coffee shop. It was the first job I had ever had that I felt connected to and inspired by. This was in 2006 and the cafe was a hot spot for local artists to play music, show their works, gather, and collaborate. Coming from a small town in Central Massachusetts, I had never experienced anything like it and I completely fell in love.

I spent the next 12 years of my life moving around the US and working at different cafes. I worked at some of the best places in Philly, Colorado, Maine, and on Nantucket. I gained experience from doing. From showing up and paying attention to how different cafes operated. There was always a dream to have my own space but I had no plans to do that until I met my husband in 2015.

His experience in fine dining + my experience in cafes brought our individual dreams to life when we opened The Rose Room Cafe in Webster, MA in November of 2018. We had a three month old daughter and no money in the bank but we were determined to make it happen.

The Rose Room in Webster has become a community hub for artists, creators, makers to share their works. We love watching community members connect and celebrate in the space. Specialty coffee, housemade sodas, scratch made pastries and breads, and a locally sourced menu keep people coming back from far and wide.

In March 2024 we opened a second location in Providence, RI and we have plans for a third space launching Jan 2025.

Things are moving fast.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

Anyone in the cafe business knows, the margins for profits are not great. If I was in it for the big bucks, I would have chosen a different career path! With no formal business experience, the biggest challenge for me has been learning the business side of things. Using accounting software, keeping track of expenses. hiring the right people to help with bookkeeping – those are things that I did not consider much when I opened my business initially.

I am a gut instinct gal, not a “think this through” gal. My husband handled all of the office & accounting things when he was involved with the business, but he moved on in 2021 to do his own thing and I took over those responsibilities. It’s been a learning curve – absolutely. Now, in 2024, I feel I finally have a handle on the business side and making smart decisions to help our business grow and remain in profit for years to come.

We’ve been impressed with The Rose Room, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

The Rose Room is a third space for all to gather in community. We bring the best local ingredients together in an approachable cafe setting. Real food and specialty coffee are at the heart of it all … combine that with amazing spaces that feel like home, and you’ll never want to leave.

I never stop hearing incredible things about the teams that have been cultivated at both of our locations. I believe it is because the culture created around our brand has brought the most talented and caring people to apply for positions with us. Most of the team in Webster had zero barista or food experience when they joined us – now they work like old pros.

Imagine effortlessly chatting with the barista while they craft you the perfect latte with real maple syrup. You notice the glass bottled milk from a local farm and are grateful, knowing its freshness. You take a seat at your favorite table and have your first sip – perfect temperature and sweetness. Your barista comes over to your table with your meal – a warm piece of sour cream coffee cake and a yogurt bowl with strawberry preserves and nutty granola. All you can smell is the warm cinnamon and sugar from your piece of cake and you’re in heaven. You’ve had your Rose Room fix, the day has finally begun.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?

I have no formal training in cooking, baking, or business. Everything I know I learned from experiences in different work environments. I learn from doing, not from books. You’ll be even more surprised to know this fact when you taste all the sweet treats at the cafe and all of the delicious menu items we’ve created over the years.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theroseroomcafe.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theroseroomcafe
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theroseroomcafe/