NEWS

Lotta love for Latte Love

Coffee shops in Johnston and Cranston win USPS recognition

By RORY SCHULER
Posted 4/26/22

Ceramic mugs and saucers clinked. The hiss of a steamer released a steam cloud, and the owner’s face appeared from behind the espresso machine.

There were guests in the …

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NEWS

Lotta love for Latte Love

Coffee shops in Johnston and Cranston win USPS recognition

Posted

Ceramic mugs and saucers clinked. The hiss of a steamer released a steam cloud, and the owner’s face appeared from behind the espresso machine.

There were guests in the dining room of Latte Love in Johnston. The owner and always-brewing barista was still mixing morning drinks for a long line of customers. The guests would have to wait for a few more minutes. The customers came first.

The coffee shop proprietors stood against the wall, a pair of brilliantly colored angel wings framing the couple as they held a framed bit of appreciation.

They’re used to compliments on their café lattes and cappuccinos from customers who frequent their Johnston and Cranston coffeehouses.

However, this is the first time the U.S. Postal Service has reached out to express its appreciation for the pair’s entrepreneurial hard work and small business dedication.

“As part of our community outreach program, each month we select a local business or organization to recognize for their commitment to the community,” according to Providence Postmaster’s Office Customer Relations Coordinator Kerry Cimaglia.

On Monday, April 18, a Postal Service delegation descended on the proprietors’ newest location at 557 Killingly St. Their mission was to recognize “the owners of the new Latte Love coffee shop in Johnston with a special stamp dedication,” Cimaglia said.

Wrapped in plain brown paper, the postal brass brought a gift — a framed set of real espresso drink-themed ‘Forever’ stamps offset by an enlarged set. The stamps were issued to commemorate four Latte Love staples — the Café Mocha, Café Latte, Espresso straight-up and the Cappuccino.

A small brass plaque under the glass declared: “Espresso Drinks, presented to Latte Love Customer Excellence by Providence Post Office, Providence Postal Customer Council, April 2022.”

Latte Love owners Tony and Elizabeth Phouaykoumpha were practically speechless as the large group of the region’s top postal service managers packed a section of the dining room to present the framed nod of business appreciation.

“The two owners took a chance and opened their second location during the peak of the pandemic,” Cimaglia said. “Against all odds, they have continued to provide superior customer service to the community all while overcoming many challenges including restrictions, forced closures and staffing shortages.”

Tony and Elizabeth Phouaykoumpha opened Latte Love Coffee House at 11 Comstock Parkway in Cranston in December 2018. Two years later, just before the pandemic locked us down and upended lives, they gambled on opening their second location in Johnston.

“We have no regrets,” Tony Phouaykoumpha said, smiling behind the framed stamps.

“I thought this was a very special thought,” said Elizabeth. “It’s very special and it makes us want to work harder.”

Both agreed that “business has been great.

“We’re picking up new customers every month,” Elizabeth said, preparing to get back behind the counter.

“The pandemic was tough at times,” Tony explained. “There were so many things going on; so many mandates; and staffing issues are still tough.”

The couple lives in Scituate and truly love crafting drinks and meals for their growing loyal clientele.

“We don’t regret anything,” Tony repeated.

“It’s so nice to get a little recognition,” Elizabeth said. “It hasn’t been easy.”

latte, latte love

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