A longtime Erie coffee staple is entering a fresh new chapter. Millcreek Coffee Company, located at 1222 Linden Avenue, is now under the ownership of the Stark family, and they’re already brewing up big changes.

Frankie Stark, a software developer and one of the family members leading the business, is no stranger to coffee. Alongside his brother Norman and business partner Ryan, he also owns Lucky Bean Coffee on West 26th Street. Now, the Starks are applying their modern approach to Millcreek’s long-standing reputation for great coffee.

“My main role is kinda leading Millcreek with my mother and obviously my father,” Frankie said. “My siblings are all investors, which is awesome, and their spouses are investors as well.”

Changes began quickly. Stark implemented a new inventory system that tracks everything via barcode scans, eliminating paper logs and improving accuracy. Behind the scenes, Doug Baker, the company’s head roaster, is keeping up with demand, roasting about 500 pounds of coffee per day, Monday through Friday.

“We’re sourcing beans from all over the world,” Baker said. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it.”

For Frankie, that global connection hit home after a visit to a coffee farm in Colombia.

“How can we get the coffee as fresh as possible while helping increase the livelihood of these farmers and families all over South America, all over the world, that make these amazing products and bring them to communities like Erie?” he said.

At the storefront, customers like Pedro Radomski have taken notice. “The coffee is good. I can’t deny that” he said. “I buy two to three bags at a time.”

Alongside wholesale and online operations, Millcreek Coffee now features a tasting room, giving local business owners and everyday customers a chance to sample blends and explore the diverse flavor lineup.

For Stark and his team, it’s all about preserving what people already love about Millcreek Coffee, while elevating it to the next level.

Find out more in tonight's Giving You the Business report above!