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By Charlotte Hopkins

With a little caffeine and a lot of team spirit, the Elizabeth Forward Athletic Association kicked off their monthly meeting at Liquid Vibes Coffee. Pictured from left to right: Christine O’Donnell, Frank Rodriguez, Derrick Gibson, Pat Malseed, Tom Freeman, Kherissa Withers, and Haley Ondeck.

Alayiah Soncini strikes a pose in front of the vibrant mural at Liquid Vibes Coffee. Iced coffee in hand and good vibes all around.

One of the cozy lounge rooms at Liquid Vibes Coffee, where guests can relax on comfy couches, sip their favorite drinks, and enjoy a sandwich in a home-away-from-home vibe.

What began as a mobile coffee shop hitched to the back of a truck has transformed into a cozy, welcoming hub for connection and creativity in the heart of West Elizabeth. Liquid Vibes Coffee, owned by Jami and Garret Coughenour, has gone from traveling to events to sharing space with a local landmark — and it's quickly becoming one of the area’s favorite spots for more than just their coffee.

In 2024, the couple debated expanding their business with either a larger mobile truck or a brick-and-mortar space. The answer came through a conversation with one of their employees, whose wife, Tina, owns Day of Designs, a photography studio in The Shoppes at Historic Lincoln Square. A vacant space in the same building became available, and the moment Jami saw it, she knew it was the perfect fit. Owners Lisa and Dan Jeffries were comforting and supportive. She went on to say that Dan wants to see people succeed, which helped her feel at ease with her decision.

Housed in the former Lincoln Elementary School, the shop retains some of its historic charm, including a coal chute, remnants of an old well, and a fire escape. Today, the front of the building hosts Liquid Vibes Coffee, where customers can enjoy drinks like an Iced White Chocolate Coconut Latte, boba tea, or a cup of hot chocolate, along with baked goods and sandwiches. Merchandise, including Liquid Vibes memorabilia, can also be found there.

But the shop is more than just a coffee stop — it’s a true community space. Connected to the shop are three rooms open to the public. With Wi-Fi and seating available, it has become a go-to workspace for remote employees, students, and even a local nurse who types weekly reports there. During a recent power outage, a customer came in to run his business from one of the desks. Organizations like the Jefferson Hills Chamber of Commerce and the Elizabeth Forward Athletic Association (EFAA) now hold their monthly meetings at Liquid Vibes.

On the third Thursday of each month through October, Liquid Vibes hosts Community Nights, complete with vendors, a food truck, and participation from all the businesses inside Lincoln Square. In July, local author Angie Baucher will attend to launch her debut book, "The Widow Who Saved Her Town." 

The sense of togetherness even extends beyond the coffee shop’s walls. Customers of Doggy Detailing, just down the street, often stop in at Liquid Vibes while their pets are being groomed.

The shop also serves as a gathering place for local youth. One teenager, Alayiah Soncini, began stopping in after school and has since become a volunteer. On Fridays, the shop stays open until 8 p.m., offering a safe and inviting environment. “This is a safe space for them,” Jami explained, “whether they are playing arcade games, or board games or just sitting on the couch and listening to music. There are not a lot of places for younger people to go and hang out where they are not getting in trouble or getting kicked out of.”

In addition to being available for private rentals and celebrations, Liquid Vibes hosts a variety of events:

Sobriety Night (Dry Friday): A two-hour support group featuring mocktails, sandwiches, and encouragement for those overcoming addiction.

Open Mic Night: Held monthly and hosted by Zen Strings, this family-friendly evening features music, comedy, poetry, and food trucks.

Cookie Decorating Classes: A local baker lead workshops on cookie design, open to all ages.

For anyone looking to showcase their talents or host a community event, Jami welcomes ideas and collaboration. “I am open to anything that anyone would like to bring,” she said.

With its warm atmosphere, strong local ties, and a mission rooted in support and inclusion, Liquid Vibes Coffee is more than a business — it’s a revitalizing force in West Elizabeth. When asked by others if she misses driving the truck, Jami assures them, “My heart is so much happier here.” With the cozy environment and all of the resources inside Liquid Vibes, it feels more like a home away from home.

Future events include a sewing class, the Sound Bowl Experience, and a grief support group hosted by Jefferson Cemetery. Details about these events, gatherings, and activities can be found on the Liquid Vibes Coffee Facebook page.

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