Almost Home: Saved You a Cup
In Oceanport, New Jersey, a cozy coffee shop is doing more than serving up quality food and drinks… it’s creating a sense of connection, comfort, and community. Almost Home brings together local flavor, friendly faces, and a mission that’s as warm as its signature fireside latte.
We stopped by their Oceanport location for our latest Culture Coverage feature to hear from Grace, the store manager, about how Almost Home is blending quality, community, and heart into every cup.
A Taste of Quality and Care
“What we're adding to the community is just quality food and product,” Grace says. That commitment shines through in every detail, from locally roasted coffee to a menu built on whole, fresh ingredients. Even drink trends tell a story here: “Everyone’s gone back to whole milk — that’s all anyone ever orders now,” Grace laughs, hinting at the shop’s ability to adapt to changing tastes while keeping things simple and authentic.
Behind the counter, the team moves like family — from the cooks to the baristas — all led by owner Rob Doran, whose approach to business is as intentional as his lifestyle. “He’s all about healthy, whole food,” Grace shares. “He literally biked from Florida to New Jersey.”
The name Almost Home came from that journey — strangers along the way encouraging him with the same words every time he was close to a stop: “You’re almost home.”
Coffee with Character
Almost Home’s coffee program is as intentional as its name. Their beans are roasted through Offshore Coffee Co., with a lineup of light roasts inspired by Rob’s personal taste. “We have more varieties aging right now,” Grace explains. “It’s so much fun to watch everything grow.”
But the real secret to Almost Home’s success isn’t just in the cup, it’s in how they make people feel. Each store is designed to feel familiar and welcoming, from the rustic interiors to the signature bookshelves that double as free community libraries.
Rooted in Community
Almost Home takes pride in being a part of every community they serve. From donating to local schools to showing up at town events with their mobile coffee cart, the team makes giving back part of their daily routine. “We try to be involved in the community as much as possible,” Grace says. “That’s what it’s all about.”
Their community presence extends far beyond coffee, it’s about creating a space where neighbors meet, kids stop by after school, and everyone feels, well, almost home.
Growing the Future Family
What started as a single shop has grown into a thriving network of nine locations, each carrying the same heart and warmth that built the brand. You can now find Almost Home in Lincroft, Navesink, Westfield, Belford, and two locations in Jersey City, as well as two across state lines in Philadelphia’s Old City and Fishtown.
Even as they expand, the team stays grounded in their mission: quality, community, and comfort. Each location feels distinct, yet unmistakably “Almost Home.”
With new locations on the horizon, Almost Home continues to prove that growth doesn’t mean losing your roots. Whether you’re grabbing a morning coffee, picking up a bite to eat, or catching up with friends by the counter, one thing’s certain: you’ll always feel welcome here.
Where to Find Almost Home
📍Oceanport: 282 E Main St, Oceanport, NJ 07757 📍Lincroft: 276 Sunnyside Rd, Lincroft, NJ 07738 📍Navesink: 101 Navesink Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716 📍Westfield: 719 Central Ave, Westfield, NJ 07090 📍Jersey City: 315 15th St, Jersey City, NJ 07310 📍Belford: 10 Harbor Way, Belford, NJ 07718 📍Old City: 205 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 📍Fishtown: 1999 E Boston St, Philadelphia, PA 19125
🌐 Website: https://almosthomegeneral.com/
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