BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — There’s something new brewing in the Elmwood Village.
“There’s a lot of pop culture references here and something against the grain that will attract people,” explained The Bean Bastard owner, Nicholas Mirusso.
“The Bean Bastard,” a coffee shop on the corner of Elmwood Avenue and Bryant, just opened last week.
Mirusso has poured his heart and soul into the business venture.
He is six years sober. His journey to stay sober included finding healthy habits, and since he said he always loved coffee, he took up roasting coffee beans several years back.
There’s a new coffee shop in the Elmwood Village! As a fellow coffee lover, that would be enough for me. But, the owner’s inspiring story is equally as newsworthy. Nick Mirusso is six years sober. @WKBW pic.twitter.com/aIy4AyrcMs
— Ali Touhey (@Ali2e) September 22, 2020
“I just kept hoping and dreaming and eventually started putting the work in. I took up coffee roasting in my kitchen. I started with a stainless steel pan, and a whisk,” he explained.
Mirusso even got a job with Best Self working as a coach with those who were struggling with substance abuse. That was his day job. And at night, he would go home and perfect his bean roasting regimen.
“I’m forever grateful for my wife for allowing me to do that, and being with our children while I was working all hours of the night,” said Mirusso.
Mirusso quit his job earlier this year, and opened the coffee shop last week. He hopes it will eventually be a place where others who may struggle with addiction can come for support and a good cup of coffee.
“You matter. When things are tough, don’t throw in the towel.”
