By Alberto Gilman
Baristas on Broadway, a new coffee shop, officially opened its doors on Jan. 2 at 117 Broadway, taking over the former location of 2 Alice’s Newburgh, which closed on Dec. 21, 2024.
The shop is now owned by Brian Hodge, a former barista at 2 Alice’s Newburgh. Hodge expressed gratitude for the foundation laid by previous owners Mikey Jackson and Aurelia Winborn.
“They’ve made a great place. They made this building a very safe spot to want to be and spend a lot of time in,” Hodge said. “This really is all because of Mikey and Aurelia. I’m just glad to keep it going.”
2 Alice’s first opened in Cornwall-on-Hudson at 311 Hudson St. and later expanded to Broadway in December 2014. While the Cornwall location will remain open, the Newburgh site concluded a decade of service last month.
Hodge, an Air Force veteran, joined the staff at 2 Alice’s just before the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020. He witnessed firsthand the challenges of running a business during the pandemic, including restrictions that temporarily prevented customers from dining inside.
When the Newburgh location went up for sale, Hodge weighed his options, even considering re-enlisting in the military. Ultimately, he decided to take on the business, a process that took about nine months.
“Losing this place would’ve been a shame,” Hodge said. “I love being a barista and wanted to keep this space alive for the community.”
The name “Baristas on Broadway” reflects the shop’s location and nods to the city’s theatrical history. Hodge described the name as whimsical and fitting for the space.
The menu features new items alongside familiar favorites from 2 Alice’s, with goods still sourced from the same vendors. The space has been refreshed with additional furniture and a reconfigured layout to create a welcoming environment for customers.
Currently, Baristas on Broadway is staffed by several former employees of 2 Alice’s, though Hodge anticipates hiring new team members closer to spring.
Hodge envisions the shop as a space where patrons can enjoy coffee, read, and work. “I want it to be a place where people feel comfortable spending time,” he said.
The shop’s hours are 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday. Customers can follow updates on Instagram at @baristas_on_broadway.
“I would say thank you to everyone who’s supported 2 Alice’s for all these years,” Hodge said. “Without them coming through the doors, there would be really no reason for me to pick it up.”