CHADDS FORD, Pa. — What began as a cozy café in a repurposed bank has become something more: a gathering place, a cultural anchor—and this weekend, a roadside showcase for vintage rides.
Chadds Ford Coffee House is proving that small-town coffee shops can still be the heart of a community. On Sunday, July 27, the café will host the Tri-County Cars & Coffee event from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 1620 Baltimore Pike. The gathering features local car enthusiasts showing off classic cruisers and modern favorites in a laid-back, family-friendly setting—no judges, no trophies, just neighbors connecting over horsepower and handcrafted espresso.
The event is the latest example of how Steve and Jackie Sonsini’s vision for the café is coming to life. When the couple opened the shop in early 2024, they set out to build more than a coffee business. “We’re not just about the coffee,” said Jackie. “We’re about the experience, and we want people to feel good when they come in and walk out feeling good.”
That philosophy has fueled more than a year of steady growth and loyal customer support. Inside, the coffeehouse blends modern charm with vintage character: polished wood floors, bright white counters, and a layout that invites guests to slow down and stay a while. Outside, it retains the historic charm of its former life as a neighborhood bank—now filled with the hum of espresso machines instead of transactions.
The menu is designed for comfort and quality. Espresso drinks, iced coffees with handcrafted syrups, loose-leaf teas, and seasonal specials are complemented by baked goods sourced from local favorites like Oso Sweet Bakery. Light breakfast items and snacks round out a simple but satisfying selection.
But what really sets the place apart is its atmosphere. Baristas like Hailey Bell—Chadds Ford Coffee House’s first hire—and Riona Donohue are known not just for their coffee skills but for their warmth and connection with customers. The result is a space that feels more like a neighborhood living room than a retail counter.
For the Sonsinis, the decision to open a coffee shop was personal. After exploring business opportunities in New Jersey and finding only “cookie-cutter” options, they discovered the vacant bank building in Chadds Ford. “I peeked in and said, ‘This is it,’” Steve recalled. He left a career in the medical field not just to brew coffee, but to create something that brought people together.
With events like Tri-County Cars & Coffee and an expanding network of regulars, their vision is thriving. Chadds Ford Coffee House has become a local favorite not just for its lattes, but for its sense of place.
Whether you’re stopping by for a handcrafted cappuccino, chatting with neighbors over breakfast, or admiring a row of vintage cars this Sunday, one thing’s clear: community is always on the menu.
About George Rotsch
George is the publisher of Chadds Ford LIVE along with DelawareLIVE, MilfordLIVE, and TownSquareLIVE. He is a professional communicator and marketing consultant. He has worked national brand and local non-profits and contribute to editorial strategy and as a reporter from time to time. He can be reached at george@delawarelive.com.
