Brewing Up Something New in the Borough

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa.– The once-empty building tucked between New Wilmington Nutrition and Theo’s Creperie has recently found a new life and even newer ownership. Miss Carlotta “Lottie” Kempa, an 18-year-old entrepreneur, has found a way to make her dream come true, turning this small space into a place where smiles and cups of coffee can brew all day long. Now, Lottie’s personal dream has extended into the larger story of New Wilmington. The New Wilmington Borough is proud to welcome Lottie’s Sips and Sweets into its growing lineup of family-owned businesses, a place where warmth and a small sip go a long way in bringing people together.

Years before the doors of Lottie’s Sips and Sweets opened, Carlotta “Lottie” Kempa was already imagining a beautiful coffee shop of her own. At just 9, Lottie felt a draw towards entrepreneurship and delightful treats and sips. Moving from the small city of Titusville, Pennsylvania, to the New Wilmington area doesn’t seem like much of a change in size, but here, Lottie’s opportunity flourished. “We were looking for a store front for rent, and just so happened to come across this one,” she said. Lottie knew it was meant to be, and with her family's help, she turned her vision into reality. When asked how the name “Lottie’s Sips and Sweets” came about, Lottie shared that the nickname “Lottie” came from her papa, who gave all of his grandchildren special nicknames.“It holds a very special place in my heart,” she said. Before opening the shop, she ran a small pastry business called “Lottie’s Sweets.” When it came time to name the shop, her sister helped brainstorm ideas, and Lottie mentioned there were a few rough drafts along the way. By combining her childhood nickname with the treats and drinks that represent her passion, they landed on the perfect name: Lottie’s Sips and Sweets. The name will forever remind her of her childhood and the family who supported her dream from the very beginning.

In a town like New Wilmington, where tradition and community ties run deep, Lottie has hopes to make her coffee shop a place full of connections, comfort, and conversation over fresh brews and sweet treats. At the heart of Lottie’s small shop is a vision she hopes to bring to life every day.“We’re hoping to give people a place to see friends, family, coworkers, or people they haven’t seen in a while. Where students can study, friends can catch up, moms can relax, and where people are treated like family.” Lottie designed every part of her shop to be warm and cozy. With beautiful wood cabinets, tables, and a wooden accent wall, to their signature color of sage green, the soft lighting, and the burst of fresh earthy espresso when you walk through the door, Lottie’s Sips and Sweets was designed to add to the revitalization of the New Wilmington Borough.

What sets Lottie’s Sips and Sweets apart from other businesses is Lottie’s attention to every detail. She has spent countless days creating and testing different syrups, purees, and coffee grounds. Lottie makes sure every drink is special and delicious. “We strive to make every drink the same,” she says. “We love feedback, good or bad; we want you all to leave satisfied with the best drink we can make.”Customers can enjoy a varied menu with plenty of options to explore. Smoothies, handcrafted coffees, matcha lattes, and dirty sodas are just a few of the drink options they offer. However, what makes Lottie’s espresso especially unique is her signature coffee bean blend. She tried dozens of different options from all over the country to find the perfect mix of an earthy, warm, and balanced flavor. The shop’s most popular espresso drink is the “Lottie’s Special Latte,” which can be served hot or iced and features a sweet flavor profile of maple, salted caramel, and vanilla. Although espresso is what draws many customers to Lottie’s Sips and Sweets, the shop also offers a variety of popular non-coffee drinks. The “Razzle Dazzle Dirty Soda” is made with coconut, raspberry, and vanilla, while the “Strawberry Crème Matcha” blends strawberry and quality matcha. Customers can also choose from six of their popular signature smoothies.

“The most important things in my life are faith and family,” Lottie says. Those values are reflected as soon as you walk into the door of the shop and see the smiling face of Carlotta “Lottie” and her family working behind the counter. According to Lottie, without her family, she wouldn’t be who and where she is today. “ My family has truly been my biggest supporters and has helped me to make this place what it is,”she says.Lottie would like to recognize the members of her family who have helped her build her business: her dad, Chris, her mom, Deanna, her brother, Derek, her sister, Cayla, and her grandparents. Lottie and her family’s hard work shines throughout the store, from every detail in the interior to every sip and bite of each handcrafted drink or treat, shaping a warm and welcoming environment that keeps bringing people back. New Wilmington is proud to welcome the dedicated and humble Kempa family to its borough, a family with passion and a commitment to make Lottie’s Sips and Sweets a shop that will be treasured forever in the heart of New Wilmington.

Lottie’s Sips and Sweets- 141 S Market St, New Wilmington, PA 16142

Brewing Up Something New in the Borough

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