“I have always had plans to come back,” says Jordan Brunette, who was visiting with friends and family in Huntingdon when he found himself craving a cortado with nowhere to go.
The lack of specialty coffee options in town at the time inspired Brunette, who was already working in the craft beverage industry, to close shop in Verdun and head home. Soon after, he launched Jream Café, a craft coffee shop and gallery space that also serves as the production site for his beverage company.
Brunette signed for a storefront on Chateauguay Street in 2021, and began renovating the older building, installing new floors and a heating and cooling system. With almost half a decade of experience as a brewer, he shifted his production to focus on creating beverages that offer a gourmet twist on old-time favourites. His flagship product is a shitake cream soda that deliciously combines sweet vanilla notes with balanced umami.
“It is something that is comforting,” Brunette says of the mushroom-infused soda. “As we become more mindful in our consumption, I think it is interesting to see the interplay with different kinds of ingredients on old classics,” he explains.
Different distributors have approached Brunette about scaling up his production, but he says he is quite happy working with small batches for now. The back kitchen is a research and development space, where Brunette has designed much of the machinery and brewing equipment himself. “Right now, I think I’m the right size,” he adds, noting things are falling into place.
The café was an extension of the beverage company, but it has quickly taken on its own significance. “It’s kind of growing and molding into something that’s been great to share with the community,” Brunette says. “I’m grateful to be part of the conversations and connections that happen over a shared beverage.” Looking ahead, he has plans to start offering an expanded menu that includes brunch options prepared with local products and produce to highlight the region’s terroir.
An important component of the café is the gallery space offered to local artists, with monthly exhibitions. Brunette says the art was a natural fit. “It gets people coming in, creates a little bit of excitement, and also fosters creativity in the Valley,” he explains.
“The community has been extremely supportive, showing that there is a demand for unique beverage offerings as well as elevated specialty coffee,” says Brunette. The only thing missing now is an employee. “It a one-man stampede for now,” he laughs, but admits it has been difficult finding people to work.
With so many plans to develop, Brunette is hoping to add to the “Jream team” soon. In the meantime, he is happy to be home and helping to build his community, one craft coffee at a time.