J.René Coffee Roasters Launches New Food Menu in West Hartford, CT

J.René Coffee Roasters has long been a pinnacle of coffee excellence in Connecticut and beyond. With 15+ years of coffee roasting experience under his belt, owner José René Martinez refuses to compromise quality in any aspect of the customer experience, from the coffee to the shop environment.

With this ethos in mind, the J.René Coffee Roasters team set out to develop an elevated food menu that highlights their coffee offerings and inspires guests to relax and enjoy their experience. In May 2020, in the middle of a global pandemic, J.René Coffee Roasters launched a brand new food menu at their Park Road location to rave reviews from customers.

Marie and Olivia Engel lead the new J.René Coffee Roasters food program.

A Mother-Daughter Duo at the Helm

Spearheading the coffee shop’s new food program are co-owner Marie Engel and her daughter, Olivia Engel. The pair worked in tandem to create a menu that appeals to the West Hartford community and highlights local flavors. 

With a focus on accessibility and a touch of old-world flare, the menu features an assortment of savory sandwiches featuring local ingredients from around Connecticut. 

“We’re excited about the new menu!” Marie exclaimed. “Customers have loved our assortment of pastries and baked goods for years, so it was time to expand on that and provide another element to the J.René Coffee experience.”

Olivia added, “I’ve watched this shop grow over the years and I’m thrilled to join the team. We’re extremely proud of this menu and cannot wait to see the response.” 

Donut Sandwich

Savory, Sweet, and Absolutely Delectable

As the food program develops and grows, Marie and Olivia plan to roll out additional menu items and weekly specials. Currently, the menu features the following sandwiches:

PIADINA

Egg, Roasted Peppers, Provolone Cheese, Prosciutto, Arugula, Pesto Aioli.

DONUT SANDWICH

Egg, Bacon & Muenster Cheese on a Grilled Glazed Donut.

B.E.A. WAFFLE SANDWICH

Bacon, Egg, Avocado, Cheddar Cheese with Maple Syrup Drizzle.

MONTE CRISTO WAFFLE SANDWICH

Egg, Muenster Cheese, Ham & Raspberry Preserves.

TURKEY WAFFLE SANDWICH

Turkey, Avocado, Bacon, Maple Sriracha, Dijonnaise, Cheddar Cheese.

VEGGIE SANDWICH

Grilled Seasonal Veggies, Provolone, Pesto Aioli, Arugula.

CHOCOLATE CROISSANT

Sliced Strawberries, Homemade Mascarpone Spread.

B.E.A. Sandwich

Uplifting the Community through Coffee and Sandwiches

The J.René Coffee team had been developing the foundation of a food program long before the global pandemic hit the United States in March 2020. The team refused to let this setback ruin their hard work and worked diligently to prepare a menu for May.

José René explained, “It was important to us to accomplish this for our customers. We wanted to give them yet another high-quality, artisan culinary experience, even if it came in a to-go box. Their loyalty and support mean the world to us, especially over the past two months.”

During the first weekend, the crew handed out free samples to customers dropping by for take-out coffee and bean purchases. As customers tasted each new sandwich, the reviews rolled in online and in-store:

“The new sandwiches are so tasty. Great additions to the menu.” - Chris B., Facebook

“They’re all fantastic!” - Monte H., J.Rene Coffee regular.

The next time you find yourself hungry and under-caffeinated in West Hartford, CT, J.René Coffee Roasters has you covered. 

Monte Cristo Waffle Sandwich