Youghiogheny Coffee Company began as a passing thought, stemming from a deep love for coffee and the passion that goes into creating it. Yough Coffee Co is owned and operated by James DelliGatti Cox, a 27-year-old Connellsville native.
During the height of the cold brew craze in 2018, James opened his first coffee shop on Apple Street. This soon became a town staple; customers and friends gathered at the shop daily to enjoy their favorite drinks, browse antiques and oddities for sale, and hang out.
The shop was a safe haven for the esoteric, attracting artists, travelers, and even earning daily visits from late, local jazz musician Harold Betters. This vision of a place where not only coffee could be served, but family could be made, became a lovely reality.
From the age of 12, James served coffee to his parents daily, first learning the basics from three generations of women, his Great Grandmother, Grandmother, and Mother. Love for Espresso and Pastries were a family inheritance.
At the age of 18, James later sought out a position working at a coffee chain in Bloomfield, his most memorable take away from that experience was the coffee aroma, specifically the way it overflowed the building. Shortly after, James began his journey towards his passion. In search of his individuality within coffee-making, he took the leap and created Youghiogheny Coffee Co.
Inspired by his collection of historic bottles from one of Connellsville's earliest brewing companies, James decided the Youghiogheny River would become a core part of his brand's identity.
After a successful year on Apple Street, James made a decision to close down. His father, David, had been diagnosed with cancer. After his passing in 2020, James became dedicated to working with his mother at their family auto repair and notary, which his father had been deeply devoted to as well.
Through these life altering changes, James held to his dreams, eventually re-opening in 2022 at his current location, Yough River Park, which is open from Spring to Fall. Connellsville has welcomed his return with open arms.
He currently operates Yough Coffee Co with his fiancé, Kerry, who handles social media and marketing for the business, while James creates and serves his latest ideas, which he states has been the most rewarding and fulfilling work he has ever done.
The pair plan to eventually open a roomier coffee shop where customers will have the space to once again browse antiques, art, and enjoy a cozy and creative space.
Now, James is anticipating the yearly Spring reopening of Youghiogheny Coffee Co., and the year-round beauty that the park has to offer, including his great view of the river and the many geese that roam past his shop. As a nature lover, and former camper of the deep woods of Pennsylvania, James loves Yough River Park, especially the connection to nature it allows him to embody in Youghiogheny Coffee Co.
As a part of the 2024 Spring Reopening of Youghiogheny Coffee Co, James and Kerry decided to create this website, which will feature tumblers, shirts and other items that will be available for purchase.
