Ohio’s Branch Street Cafe Becomes Denizen as Managers Take Ownership

Photo courtesy of Branch Street Coffee Roasters.

After more than a decade of serving guests at their independent coffee shop in Boardman, Ohio, the owners of Branch Street Coffee Roasters have handed the keys to two longtime employees who are carrying the shop forward under the name Denizen Coffee.

Troy Metzger and Joshua Mitchell officially took ownership of the Youngstown-area cafe on Nov. 6, following approximately one year of succession planning with Branch Street founders Matthew and Kristin Campbell. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

The Campbells will continue to operate Branch Street Coffee Roasters as a wholesale roasting company from their Glenwood production facility. Matthew Campbell said Denizen will remain a wholesale customer, brewing Branch Street coffees and offering retail bags in the cafe and online. 

Denizen Coffee Co-Owner Troy Metzger showing Branch Street coffees. Photo courtesy of Branch Street Coffee Roasters.

Campbell said Metzger has been with Branch Street for more than 10 years, while Mitchell joined six years ago after moving from North Carolina. The two have managed the cafe’s daily operations for approximately three years.

Campbell told Daily Coffee News that he approached the managers about taking ownership as demands on his time increased through Invoke Coffee Equipment, his separate espresso equipment sales, service and support business.

“With Troy and Joshua doing so well in their leadership roles, I asked them if they ever had a desire to take over ownership and develop the cafe in their own vision,” Campbell told DCN. “They were excited at that prospect and we immediately began to create a succession plan.”

Beyond the new name, the shop is likely to remain familiar to existing customers, with the existing staff and menu in place, while Branch Street gift cards and loyalty rewards will be honored there. 

Denizen Coffee Co-Owner Joshua Mitchell. Photo courtesy of Branch Street Coffee Roasters.

“The sale of the cafe was really a simple decision from my side,” Campbell said. “Branch Street was always fortunate to have a long-term staff of very passionate coffee professionals who kept the standards high and were engaged in the hospitality experience for our guests.”

After launching in 2015, the shop built a loyal following and received numerous press accolades, including being named the “best coffee” in Ohio by Food & Wine in 2019. The roasting business has also routinely received high scores from Coffee Review.

“While these are noteworthy, none of it is possible without a team of knowledgeable and passionate baristas and roasters, and the community that shows up to keep that business alive,” Campbell said.

Denizen Coffee is now open at 1393 Boardman-Canfield Rd in Boardman, Ohio. 

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