Grafik Coffee, located on East Main Road in Portsmouth, has quickly gained popularity since its opening a year ago. The building, which once housed a Subway restaurant and an ice cream shop, has now become a local hotspot. The success has allowed owner Josh Whalen to roll out plans for expansion, focusing on three key areas: more coffee, extended hours, and additional space.
Investing in Better Coffee
The first major upgrade is in coffee quality. Whalen has purchased a state-of-the-art Diedrich Roaster for the shop, a machine well-known for producing high-quality coffee. “It’s like upgrading to the Mercedes of coffee roasters!” he says. The new roaster, which is six times the size of the current one, promises more consistent roasts and greater production capacity. Whalen hopes the change will improve both the taste and efficiency of the coffee served at Grafik.
The new roaster will also impact the shop’s layout. Rather than being tucked away in the kitchen, the roaster will be placed in the seating area, making it a focal point of the coffeehouse. Whalen has designed a half-bar enclosure to house the roaster, keeping seating space intact while creating an attractive and functional centerpiece.
Grafik After Dark: A New Nighttime Experience
Whalen’s second expansion plan is to extend the coffeehouse’s hours. The new concept, called “Grafik After Dark,” will offer an upscale, relaxed setting with coffee-based cocktails. With an official liquor license, Grafik will serve drinks like espresso martinis made with the house blend. Whalen’s goal is to bring a fresh experience to the local nightlife scene. “When you make a martini using fresh espresso beans, it creates an incredible crema on top,” he explains.
In addition to coffee cocktails, the menu will feature classic drinks such as French 75s, Old Fashioneds, and sangrias, along with a selection of local beers and wines. Light bites, including nuts, olives, and charcuterie, will also be served. Whalen envisions live acoustic jazz performances on Friday and Saturday nights, adding a musical touch to the atmosphere. If live music isn’t available, soft jazz will fill the air.
For now, the new after-dark hours will run from 5-9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings, with plans to extend as the concept gains popularity.
Grafik Coffee’s success is paving the way for further growth, with an enhanced coffee experience, extended service hours, and a unique atmosphere that blends coffee culture with nightlife. Whalen’s expansion plans aim to meet the demands of the growing community, and with a loyal following already in place, it seems like Grafik’s future is brewing bright.
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