About Us
Hi, we're Tom and Gretchen
We're the couple behind Uptown Coffee—and while we may be new to Middleport, coffee has been part of our story for a long time.
We originally hail from the Detroit area, but before making our way to Ohio, we spent six years living in the Seattle area. And if you spend that much time in the Pacific Northwest, you learn pretty quickly that coffee is more than something you grab on the way to work. It's part of the culture.
We fell in love with the West Coast coffee experience: great coffee, fast and friendly drive-thru service, quality ingredients, and a menu that can take coffee seriously without taking itself too seriously. That's the experience we're bringing to Uptown.
West Coast coffee. Middleport roots.
Uptown Coffee is, first and foremost, a coffee shop. We love a great espresso, a well-made latte, and the classics that made drive-thru coffee shops famous. But we also think there's plenty of room to have some fun. So alongside traditional coffee drinks, you'll find creative flavors, sweet drinks, energy drinks, and a few things that might just become your new favorite.
Tom is our resident coffee connoisseur and has been heavily involved in developing the coffee and espresso side of our menu. Gretchen has a serious sweet tooth—which makes her exceptionally qualified to help develop the more indulgent side of Uptown. Between the two of us, we think we've found a pretty good balance.
But really, we're people people. ✟
If you live in the area, you may already know Tom as the pastor of River of Life Church of God in Rutland. He's spent more than 38 years serving people, building relationships, and investing in communities. Gretchen shares that same love for people and has a way of turning conversations into friendships.
That part of who we are naturally comes with us to Uptown. We're building a serious coffee business owned by people who genuinely care about people. We want to learn your name, remember your drink, celebrate the good stuff with you, and hopefully make your day a little better than it was before you pulled in.
Why Middleport?
Because we believe in this town.
We're transplants, and we're proud to say that we've chosen Middleport as home. We see a community with history, character, great people, and a lot worth celebrating. As Middleport continues to grow and revitalize, we want Uptown Coffee to be one small part of that story—creating something new while appreciating what already makes this place special.
So come through for the coffee. Try something you've never had before. Stay for a conversation if the line isn't too long.
We're glad we're here, and we can't wait to get to know you.
See you at the window!