Founded in 2013 by Sarah Peters, The Coffee Exchange of Pleasant Ridge soon earned a reputation for its vibrant atmosphere and the playful energy that Sarah and her team brought to every shift. Their humor, creativity, and spontaneous antics inspired the shop’s beloved motto:
“Come for the coffee, stay for the show.”
The Coffee Exchange quickly became a neighborhood favorite, especially known for its fun seasonal lattes, creative drinks that turned each season into something worth celebrating.
But in June of 2018, tragedy struck when a fire destroyed the building. The loss was devastating — not just for Sarah, but for the entire Pleasant Ridge community who considered the café a second home. Neighbors rallied around the shop, and with their support and Sarah’s determination, The Coffee Exchange began its comeback.
In January of 2020, after months of rebuilding, the café triumphantly reopened in a new location just down the street, full of warmth and renewed excitement. But just weeks later, the world turned upside down.
In March of 2020, COVID-19 hit, forcing the shop to switch suddenly to curbside service. The lively in-person atmosphere paused, but Sarah and her team didn’t lose their spirit — they brought the “show” outside, finding creative ways to bring smiles to customers picking up drinks from their cars.
The challenges were enormous, and keeping the business alive required strength, hope, and community support.
Then came a moment Sarah will never forget. In February of 2021, The Coffee Exchange was selected for a grant from The Barstool Fund, and Dave Portnoy himself called Sarah to deliver the news. His words brought relief, gratitude, and renewed momentum. The grant gave the shop the boost it needed to push through the darkest days of the pandemic and continue serving the community that had stood by it for so long.
The Coffee Exchange gets the call. #BarstoolFund pic.twitter.com/14CtAXDiTq
— The Barstool Difference (@barstooldiff) February 22, 2021
Today, The Coffee Exchange stands stronger, brighter, and more beloved than ever. It remains the heart of Pleasant Ridge — a place where every cup brings people together, every season brings something new to enjoy, and the spirit of resilience and joy shines through everything Sarah and her team do.
Through fire, rebuilding, a global pandemic, and a life-changing moment of support, The Coffee Exchange has become more than a coffee shop. It is a story of perseverance, community, and the magic that happens when a neighborhood lifts up one of its own.
