LIFE

Milford coffee truck expands with brick and mortar

Hannah Carroll
hcarroll2@dmg.gannett.com
Ashley Schrock and Heather Landis share a cup of coffee in their new cafe, A' Latte Soul.

Many hear about restaurants expanding with a new food truck.

But seldom are stories shared of a food truck expanding with a new restaurant.

The latter, however, is exactly what A' Latte Soul owners Ashley Schrock and Heather Landis did.

"We've never been normal," Schrock said, with a smile.

Nearly two months ago, the best friends opened their brick and mortar shop in downtown Milford on North Walnut Street, filling the space previously occupied by LeLoLi Cafe and Espresso Bar.

Schrock and Landis have completely transformed the space to create a cozy and comfy environment, perfect for every customer.

"We want people to feel at home here," Landis said. "Regardless if they're running in and out or staying for a few hours."

The space features hardwood floors, dark teal walls adorned with trendy artwork with vintage twists, classic light fixtures and a number of seating options, from high top tables to a plush, brown leather couch.

The menu offers traditional coffee and espresso drinks made with Swell Joe Coffee beans and roasts from Lewes. Hot and iced teas are available, as well as frozen fruit smoothies, and Landis and Schrock can whip up a mean specialty drink with flavors like Snickers, Peppermint Patty, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup and chai, which they refer to as, “Christmas in a cup.”

In addition to a number of handcrafted beverages, A' Latte Soul's kitchen offers Surf Bagel sandwiches, fresh salads, wraps, paninis, homemade soups and assorted pastries from Sweet Cakes by Shawna.

"We like to support local," Schrock said. "It's neat helping other businesses thrive simultaneously with your own."

Opening a place of their own was a dream for years. But after a visit to the Taco Reho food truck in Rehoboth, Schrock and Landis switched gears.

They bought a trailer in early 2015 and recruited friends and family to help give it a much needed facelift. The old school-bus-yellow truck was transformed into a chic, dark blue coffee-making machine.

They set up shop in downtown Milford — right in Schrock's front yard — and quickly developed a loyal following.

Milford coffee truck has A’ Latte Soul

"Honestly, we hadn't planned on opening our cafe for another five years or so," Landis said. "We wanted to get our feet wet before diving in, you know? But when this opportunity presented itself, well, we just couldn't turn it down."

Much like last summer, Schrock and Landis intend to take the A' Latte Soul trailer to numerous festivals and events, such as Milton's Truckin' Tuesday and Food Truck Friday held at Epworth's United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, in addition to local farmers markets, private parties, weddings and other catering events.

"We are rapidly filling up the calendar," Schrock said. "Yesterday, we got four calls trying to book the same day.

"It's overwhelming, but in a good way."

A' Latte Soul is open Tuesday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check its Facebook page for a list of upcoming events like Paint Nite, Pampered Chef classes and open mic nights. For more information, call 302-422-8900.

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