A Message from Mercer County Tourism

During the last week of July, New Jersey recognized Buy Local Week. To celebrate the week, Mercer County visited an array of small locally owned businesses, across the county, interviewing their owners, staff, and customers. Each day we posted a short profile of a different business on social media, and now we want to share our full write-ups with you as well. Mercer County is filled with great businesses, some renowned and others hidden gems. As you read on, I hope you are compelled to visit some of these establishments and see for yourself what they have to offer!

Julie L. Burke

Communications Student Intern

KNIT ONE STITCH TOO

After visiting Knit One Stitch Too in Pennington, I quickly realized that knitting, crocheting, and stitching are all incredibly difficult forms of art and expression. Knit One Stitch Too is a locally owned shop that provides customers with supplies, guidance, and smiles. The store is equipped to help with all of your crocheting, stitching, and knitting needs. Whether you are a beginner, an expert, or a gift-giver, there is something for you.

I had the opportunity to sit down with the store's owners and employees to hear their story, and see their skills first hand. The shop opened its doors almost 11 years ago. Another knitting shop in Pennington had closed, and owners Bettie, Debbie, and Toby saw a need for a new one. Some of the furniture from the can even be seen around Knit One Stitch Too, preserving memories from the previous shop. 

When asked if they had any hesitations about opening a shop, Bettie explained, “We worried. I mean, we still worry.” Having a niche shop is difficult to keep open; the market for products is always changing and hobbies have turned into trends. 

For more experienced crafters, the high quality materials the shop sells keeps them coming back. In addition, they offer an array of classes. The “Oops” class is strictly for knitting, and provides customers with personal help when they need to fix something. If you start a stitch the wrong way, and are unable to go back, you could bring your project into the store and an employee will help you fix it, so you can keep working on the project. 

To make their business successful, the owners explained how they value customer service, and always put their best foot forward. They are patient, and let people know that they are available to help. The manager, Holly, is a perfect example of the type of employee you can find- kind and generous. By creating a space where everyone is comfortable trying this hobby, they have gained many loyal customers.

While Knit One Stitch Too does all things knitting and stitching, they spend a lot of time contributing to charity. In their free time, they knit preemie hats to be donated to local hospitals. They make items called “Knockers” to donate to people who have had mastectomies. These are made with specific yarn that is approved by the Breast Cancer Society, as it is softer. They carefully craft shawls to donate to Veterans Hospitals. While doing all of this, they even manage to find the time to donate products and toiletries to Homefront. This business commitment to helping their community is astounding and inspirational. 

Pay a visit to Knit One Stitch Too and you’ll find unique services, special products, and a staff who treat their customers like family. 

Location: 16 N Main St, Pennington, NJ 08534

THAT POTTERY PLACE

For about 20 years, That Pottery Place in West Windsor has been welcoming guests of all ages. Sangeeta, the owner, found her passion for pottery after she chaperoned her daughter at a birthday party. After walking into That Pottery Place, her interests were piqued when she noticed that they offered wheel throwing classes. She visited the studio often, spending hours painting, molding, chatting, and more. When the previous owner decided to move on to different endeavors, Sangeeta was asked if she would like to take over. In her words, it was “a leap of faith with a very steep learning curve.” After a career in IT, owning a small business was something she had no experience with. But for 13 years now, she has been running That Pottery Place with grace and passion. 

When asked what keeps the business successful, Sangeeta said, “trying new things.” The beauty of pottery is that there is never an end to what you can learn..

You visit the shop to create something, but That Pottery Place also hosts and works with local summer camps. . They travel to schools in West Windsor that host pottery camps, bringing their materials and a bright attitude. In July, run a program through Camp College at Mercer County Community College. Other camps offered require children to come to That Pottery Place, but this gives them access to more materials and opportunities.

During the year, wheel throwing classes are available for people to try just once or multiple times. Sangeeta says that the flexibility they offer is something that draws customers in. For many people, wheel throwing could be a bucket list item so the option to only do one class is appealing. 

Even though we live in a technological age, word of mouth is still the most popular form of advertising for That Pottery Place. “That’s something I’m very proud of, that everything we do is word of mouth,” Sangeeta beamed. 

In addition, they also offer opportunities for Girl Scouts to earn badges. Growing up a girl scout and having a daughter who was one, Sangeeta holds this organization close to her heart. Within the community, they are always donating pottery and gift cards. Over the years, Sangeeta has also made it a point to hire workers from the local high schools, hoping to provide them with some real world experience. 

Overall, That Pottery Place is a comforting place that feels like home. All of the opportunities they have to learn new things is the key to their success, and the passion that radiates from the business pulls new customers in.

Location: 217 Clarksville Rd, West Windsor Township, NJ 08550

Right on the edge of Hightstown you can find the venerable warehouse that houses A-A Empire Antiques. Owned by Gene Pascucci, this shop has been open for over 50 years. Whether you are a frequent auction goer, an antique fanatic, or just a curious shopper, this is the place to stop. With a vast array of items, you could spend hours searching for the perfect item.

Gene has years  of experience buying, appraising, refurbishing, and more. He has gathered items from across the United States, and even from as far as Italy or Egypt. 

In addition to his work with locals, Gene does business with HBO Max shows and historical documentaries. If the show is from a specific historical era, someone will come in and speak with Gene about the pieces they need. Then, he consults with them and goes over options, significance, and pricing. One of Gene’s specialties is gas era lighting fixtures, so shows set in the 19th century can rely on Gene to find a piece for them, or help refurbish something to be exactly what they need. 

Gene’s knowledge is as vast as  the warehouse that hosts his collection. You could spend hours looking at his collection, and still would not come close to seeing everything. Gene’s knowledge on his items is impressive, as he has answers to any question you may have. He’ll happily share a story about one of the celebrity estates he’s worked with.

If something catches his eye, Gene may even decide to design a new item by combining multiple antiques. This can make for some beautiful creations that are guaranteed to be one of a kind. After visiting A-A Empire Antiques, I can confidently, that whatever you are searching for, Gene has it all.

Location: 278 Monmouth St, Hightstown, NJ 08520

Located in the Princeton Shopping Center, The Blue Bears Special Meals serves the community with a warm welcome and a smile. From the moment you walk into the cafe, you immediately feel at home. The Yver family, who founded Blue Bears, found inspiration in their children, who have Down Syndrome. Blue Bears employs people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, empowering them and providing them with work experience. 

Céline Guillemot, the Chief Executive Officer, took over in January of 2024. Her husband, Eric, also became the Chairman of the non-profit at this time. However, Celine and Eric have been involved with The Blue Bears for many years. Celine has a background in hotel and restaurant management. This helped grow her passion for The Blue Bears and their mission. Inside, the seating area is decorated with custom chairs and benches made by Celine. She has professional experience with upholstery, and her original connection to Blue Bears was through an inquiry for upholstery work. 

“I love the mission,” Celine said, when asked why she felt pulled to take over the business. As employers for  people with different disabilities, they learn how to understand what works best for each individual. Lots of employees have different abilities and preferences too.Finding professional tasks that the employees are good at makes for a very efficient daily routine!

 Celine and Eric, both natives of France, “love and wish to share the French gastronomy and healthy balanced food with the customers.” With Chef Marco, they are able to curate a menu that has daily specials made from scratch. You can find anything from bakery items, to soups, salads, and more. 

Celine says that their goal is “that our clients feel at home during a family meal that lasts hours, without stress, over a drink and good traditional dishes and desserts.” They offer online orders too, so you can bring this atmosphere home with you.

Venturing to The Blue Bears is such a special experience, with great food to try, wonderful people to meet, and a beautiful atmosphere to enjoy. 

Location: 301 N Harrison St Space 210, Princeton, NJ 08540

It is no shock that New Jersey is known as the diner capital of the world. One diner that shines in Mercer County is Town Diner in East Windsor. For over 9 years, this restaurant has been welcoming people. A diner is supposed to make people feel at home and welcome, and Town Diner does this with ease. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day, it’s guaranteed that you will find something on the menu that you’ll enjoy. 

Owned now by Anthony “Tony” Menendez, the diner has been refurbished and made to look more similar to a classic diner. The decor has been updated, and booths and tables fill the place to make room for the many customers. 

Town Diner takes pride in getting to know their customers. I spoke with one of the friendly employees, Andrea, about her experience working there and getting to interact with customers. She explained how they frequently get to know regulars, and as an East Windsor resident she often winds up chatting with  customers while she’s shopping at Target.

While Town Diner has many regulars, they also receive many new  customers, as well as former residents of Mercer County who have moved away but  stop by because of the nostalgic feeling that Town Diner provides them. “Customers have told us that this place brings back many memories for them,” Andrea said. 

Tony, the owner, knows many people in the community. “Some people come in just to see and talk to him,” Andrea also told me. For birthdays, Town Diner celebrates proudly and loudly. It’s been said that Tony may even come out of the kitchen with pots and pans to use as instruments. With diners being a staple in New Jersey, it’s no shocker that Town Diner emulates positivity. 

At Town Diner, it’s promised that you will be treated like family, enjoy good food, and leave with a smile on your face.

Location: 431 US-130, East Windsor, NJ 08520

Located right off of Main Street in Lawrence, The Gingered Peach dazzles customers with its delicious selection of baked goods. After moving from her original shop in Ewing, owner Joanne Canady-Brown opened the newly rebranded bakery and it took off. Joanne grew up baking with her grandmother, which is where her love for creating delicious confections began. 

Joanne says that when she chooses what to make next her guiding light is simply “doing what the customers want.” Receiving feedback from buyers keeps her business going, and she builds she’s always happy to receive ideas and inspiration for new creations. Joanne makes an extra effort to build relationships with her customers so they’ll be comfortable opening up and sharing their ideas. 

Joanne also owns Melba and Rojo’s Roastery, which encourages customers to try out her other shops. By putting out products from Gingered Peach at Rojo’s Roastery, people are tempted to explore further. “It’s like scavenger hunt, the marketing does itself,” she explained.

The Gingered Peach has quite the team, ranging from local students to neighborhood teachers, and even entire families. It’s clear that for Joanne and many on her team, the Gingered Peach is not just a bakery, it’s a work of love. 

While Gingered Peach is always busy, they still slow down and celebrate their success with their many loyal fans.  The Gingered Peach is a great example of how small local businesses enrich our Mercer County communities. 

Location: 2 Gordon Ave, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648

For over 38 years, Petal Pushers has been the hub for all things flowers in Hamilton. Karen Vernon-Stewart has owned and operated the shop all this time, and she continues to do so with pride. 

With about 15 employees, Petal Pushers, and their sister business Magnolia, operate like a well-oiled machine. They receive deliveries daily to keep the flowers fresh. Orders are fast paced, and filled within days of events to keep everything vibrant and alive. With designers and drivers, each person falls perfectly into place and plays their part to keep everything running smoothly. 

Petal Pushers is located in an old house, which gives clients an “at home” feel when they come in for consultations. They may be venturing in to discuss major life events like weddings or funerals, so it’s important to make them feel comfortable. When asked how they continue to be successful, Karen stated that they rely on “great customer service.” They focus on making sure clients feel heard, while guaranteeing communication and flexibility to meet customer needs.

Petal Pushers delivers throughout New Jersey and the Tri-State Area for events. They also rent out decor for events too. They have a huge warehouse that stores supplies, and allows for more space to design flower arrangements when needed.

Flowers are very delicate, and the process for designing arrangements, bouquets, and centerpieces requires an intricate attention to detail. The staff at Petal Pushers takes great pride in their work, and always strive to match the occasion.  If you’re planning an event, or just need something to liven up your day, Petal Pushers is there to provide you with the flowers of your dreams!

Location: 2632 Whitehorse-Hamilton Square Rd, Hamilton, NJ 08690

Wildflower Farm in Hopewell Township is a hidden gem, which boasts a bounty of animals and crops. The farm is run by Tomia MacQueen who proudly centers conservation in her work. Everything they produce is organic and soy-free. 

At the farm, you can find chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys. Tomia herself has created two important processes that keep the farm running smoothly. The first one is called the “One Bad Day Rule,” which aims to make sure that no animal has more than one bad day while at the farm. Then, there is “Purple Banding,” in which favorite animals are marked to live their lives in peace on the farm and never be sold. 

One of Tomia’s favorite animals that she’s ever had was her rooster ‘Big Boy.’ Tomia describes Big Boy as a fearless leader, who was very protective of his babies. He would single handedly fight off foxes, hawks, and other wildlife that would try to swoop in. Although Big Boy has passed on, his legacy lives on, with some of his great grandchildren living on the farm today!

In addition to the animals, customers can find 72 different seed crops at the farm. And the delicious produce on sale include turnips, squash, and even lemon sorrel.

Tomia also hosts gardening clubs, and is a mentor at Princeton University. Wildflower Farm also partners with local schools and agriculture programs to educate local residents. Everything about the farm is a beautiful reminder that agriculture continues to be a big part of Mercer County.

Location: 321 Pennington - Harbourton Rd, Pennington, NJ 08534

It’s incredible to learn that One Up One Down Coffee in Trenton all started with a popcorn machine. Over a decade ago, co-owner Vince began roasting coffee with that machine. Now, One Up One Down coffee is located in Trenton where it offers freshly roasted coffee and a great community space for residents to wind down.

Vince and Natalie, the owners, were set to open up shop right before the pandemic hit. They both had an interest in food sourcing, production, and marketing, so they made a great team. After a delayed opening, they were able to begin serving the local community on a small scale in late 2020, before fully opening up once pandemic restrictions were lifted. 

The inside of the store is unique, incorporating details from Vince and Natalie’s other hobbies. Vince has a passion for cycling, so bicycles feature prominently in the decor. Artwork lines the walls, all made by local artists, and the pieces are swapped out every so often which adds variety for loyal customers. 

The menu is simple, designed to suit the needs of seasoned coffee drinkers. Everything is handmade right in front of you, and stools line the counter so you can sit and relax while your beverage or snack is prepared. You can also find their products for purchase at local farmers markets, on their website for pickup and delivery, and at their wholesale partners. One Up One Down is a testament that an unconventional beginning can bring new ideas to life.

Location: 748 Cass St, Trenton, NJ 08611

In the small town of Hopewell Borough is the gem that is Aunt Chubby’s Luncheonette. This establishment has been a staple for breakfast and lunch for over 30 years. After the namesake Aunt Chubby passed, her nieces revamped and reopened the restaurant. Since then, this establishment has been serving guests from Mercer County with the goal to make everyone feel welcome and special.

Many customers say that Chubby’s “feels like home.” With charming decorations and staff that treats you like family, it’s no wonder that residents find comfort here. The staff also describe feeling like family. Some of the employees grew up coming to Aunt Chubby’s, making it a perfect spot when they began looking for work. 

Aunt Chubby’s also operates a food pantry, offering free groceries for anyone who needs them. The pantry also includes a lunch program, with volunteers driving around the community three times a week to deliver hot meals and other supplies to those in need. The Chubby’s Project is a nonprofit dedicated to food justice for the surrounding community. Aunt Chubby’s Luncheonette is a prime example of how a small business with a lot of heart can have a mighty impact in their community. 

Location: 1 Railroad Pl, Hopewell, NJ 08525