Looking Ahead: What We’re Dreaming Up at Spruce This Year
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about where we are, how far we’ve come, and what’s next for Spruce. It took four years just to open this place—and honestly, during that time, I truly didn’t think it would ever happen. So now, to be here, in a space that’s real and full of life, dealing with small issues and growing pains? I’m beyond grateful. Every little challenge feels like a gift when I remember how impossible this once felt.
Spruce, our cozy coffee shop and plant-filled hangout in Murray Hill, has grown into something so special—part coffee shop, part plant jungle, part gathering place—and I’m always thinking about how we can make it even better.
Some of these goals are already in the works, and some are just big dreams we’re putting out into the universe. Either way, I wanted to share what’s on my heart for the shop this year:
1. Create Our Own Coffee Blend
This has been on my list forever—and it’s finally happening! We’ve nailed down the designs and are working on a signature Spruce blend that’s smooth, balanced, and totally us. Soon you’ll be able to brew it at home or grab a bag right off our shelves.
2. Patio Upgrades (Fans, Please!)
If you’ve spent time on our patio, you know it can go from dreamy to melting real quick. We're looking into adding a proper sunshade to make it more comfortable during those hotter hours—and fans are officially on our wishlist too. Little upgrades like this go a long way in making the space feel good year-round. Expect sunshades pretty soon. Fans might take some time!
3. Getting More Folks In the Door
A big goal this year is simply welcoming more people into the shop each day. Whether through fun events, new seasonal drinks, or just continuing to make Spruce feel warm and inviting, I want more people to discover us and keep coming back. If you love what we’re doing, telling a friend, posting a pic, or just stopping by often really does make a difference.
4. Growing Our Social Media (With Help From Our Amazing Team)
We’re putting more thought and energy into how we show up online this year. I want to use our social media to really highlight what makes this place special—especially our incredible team. They’re the heart of this shop, and you’ll definitely be seeing more of their faces and personalities in our posts.
5. Expanding Our Snack Menu
We’ve been hearing your snack cravings loud and clear! I’d love to expand our menu with more fresh, thoughtful grab-and-go options—things that pair well with your drink and can hold you over without being a full meal. This is something we’re starting to experiment with, and I’m excited to see where it goes.
6. Expanding Our Hours
We’d love to start opening earlier and offering more flexible hours overall. It’s something we’re actively thinking about—but to get there, we need to continue growing and getting busier. If you’re rooting for earlier hours, keep showing up and bringing friends. Every visit helps us move closer to that goal.
And now for the big dreams—the things that might not happen just yet, but we’re working toward them:
7. A New Espresso Machine
Our current machine has been a total workhorse, but we’re dreaming of something bigger and better that’ll help us improve speed and consistency. It’s a big investment, so this one’s a future goal—but it’s on the list.
8. More Outlets
We hear you! We’d love to add more outlets to make the shop more laptop- and work-friendly. It’s a bit of a logistical project, but definitely something we’re hoping to tackle when the time is right.
9. Turning the VW Plant Bus into a Mobile Coffee Bar
Okay—this one is a total dream, but how amazing would it be to convert our VW Plant Bus into a mobile espresso bar using our current machine once we upgrade? We’re imagining Spruce coffee and cocktails at weddings, markets, pop-ups… it’s still just an idea, but one I can’t stop thinking about.
Thanks for being here—for showing up, for cheering us on, for making Spruce what it is. We’re so grateful for this community and excited for what’s ahead. Let’s keep growing (literally and figuratively).
If you haven’t visited our Murray Hill coffee shop yet, or it’s been a while—come by soon! Check out our seasonal drinks, cozy corners, and see what we’re brewing up.
Ida
