AM:FM, a unique multifunctional café located in Rochester, New York, offers patrons an exceptional experience by blending convenience with comfort. Opened recently, this café focuses on providing high-quality coffee, delicious food, and even occasional cocktails. Its philosophy revolves around embracing dualities—offering both quick grab-and-go options and leisurely dining experiences. The interior design reflects this concept with two distinct customer pathways, one streamlined for efficiency and the other designed for relaxation. AM:FM also leverages its partnership with Aporia Coffee Co., ensuring top-notch coffee beans roasted to perfection.
The story of AM:FM begins with its founder, Eric Nagle, whose journey into coffee started over a decade ago after studying audio engineering in Manhattan. Returning to his hometown, Nagle combined his entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for quality coffee. He acquired Aporia Coffee Co., a renowned wholesale roasting company, which now supplies beans not only to AM:FM but also to several local businesses. Under the leadership of Head Roaster Wade Reed, Aporia uses a 15-kilogram Joper roaster at their off-site facility on Dewey Ave. Their green coffee sourcing involves partnerships with importers like InterAmerican, Covoya, and Crop to Cup, fostering direct relationships with producers in Colombia and Peru.
At AM:FM, the coffee program is executed using state-of-the-art equipment, including Mahlkönig EK43 grinders, Ceado espresso grinders, Eureka Zenith grinders, a La Marzocco Strada, and a Bunn batch brewer. This setup ensures that every cup meets the highest standards, whether catering to discerning aficionados or busy commuters seeking a morning pick-me-up. On Friday evenings, the café transforms into a cozy spot for cocktail enthusiasts, offering innovative drinks such as a hard root beer float made with premium ice cream.
Beyond its flagship location at 45 Euclid Street, AM:FM has ambitious plans for expansion. A second venue is set to open in nearby Churchville, envisioned as a family-friendly destination complete with outdoor activities and ice cream. This new location may also include additional facilities for roasting and coffee education, further cementing AM:FM's commitment to elevating the coffee experience.
With its innovative approach to duality, AM:FM stands out as a beacon of creativity and quality in the bustling coffee scene of Rochester. By seamlessly merging convenience, comfort, and community, this café continues to redefine what it means to enjoy a great cup of coffee.