More Than Coffee: The Story Behind Temple Hill Cafe
Meet James Cracolici, the founder of Temple Hill Cafe and our beloved coffee cart at the NVE Ware-House!
James’ take on Coffee, Community, & Chasing Dreams!
Temple Hill Cafe is not just a coffee brand and cart; it is a legacy. James Cracolici started Temple Hill Cafe 2 years ago from scratch. The coffee-cart started with pop-ups at parties, farmers markets, etc. on the side during his off time.
The entrepreneurial journey began with James’ Great-Grandfather when he created Newburgh Packing Corporation, as he moved from Germany to Newburgh. Temple Hill was the name of James’ Grandparent’s business. His Grandfather went back to Germany to apprentice and also met his wife; who he then brought back to Newburgh where they created Temple Hill Brand Frankfurters. When he passed, James thought to carry on the name in a different way. He always thought of and loved the meaning behind a cup of coffee as social interaction. So, he took the name and the exact same logo too and created Temple Hill Cafe. Always liked coffee, so he took this idea and created something he loves from it.
Before starting Temple Hill, James worked in retail and hospitality. He managed a restaurant and worked at Adams Carfare Farms for 10 years, and more recently about 4 years ago, he started working for a business consulting firm that is a work from home position. Currently, he is also a server and an Orange Theory instructor. Being cooped up in his house working from home is what sparked the interest in going out and creating something, which ultimately led to the beginning of Temple Hill. ames is also balancing nursing school, while maintaining Temple Hill Cafe. He has always been interested in going into the medical field and started radiology and medical major in college. He then changed his mind and graduated with a business degree. James kept applying to school for nursing from ages 21-30 and ended up applying again this year and decided it was the time to go.
In December of last year, James reached out to Anthony, one of the owners here at Newburgh Vintage Emporium Ware-House and the rest is history. Temple Hill Cafe Coffee Cart has been at the Ware-House every weekend on Saturday and Sunday ever since.
James says the best part about coffee and serving the Newburgh community through the Newburgh Vintage Emporium customers is meeting everybody and interacting with people.
The salted maple latte is the most exciting signature drink for Fall. The buzzy bee latte was the bestselling coffee drink for this past summer season and will continue to be served through the Fall! James hopes to continue to have the Temple Hill Coffee Cart at the NVE Ware-House every weekend or even expand it to have more offerings throughout the store.
For James, Temple Hill Cafe is about much more than coffee; it’s about connection, creativity, and carrying a piece of his family’s Newburgh history forward in a new way. From its beginnings at pop-ups and farmers markets to finding a home at Newburgh Vintage Emporium Ware-House, Temple Hill has become a place where people can slow down, grab a great cup of coffee, and connect with one another. As James continues his journey as a nursing student, fitness instructor, and small-business owner, Temple Hill is another reflection of his willingness to pursue the things he loves. Whatever comes next, one thing is certain: there’s plenty more brewing for Temple Hill.
Come get a coffee and shop at the NVE Ware-House at 10 Route 17K Newburgh, NY, 12550 on Saturday or Sunday! Nothing pairs quite as well as coffee and vintage shopping!