Wherever you decide to sip, savor or celebrate the fall season, one thing is guaranteed: Pumpkin spice is back!
By the end of August, it begins creeping onto menus. As a pumpkin lover, I am always excited to see its return to local menus. Pumpkin can become a syrup, pastry, dessert or even something unexpected, like savory ravioli. While pumpkin spice will always be a classic, every fall brings new flavor combinations worth discovering. Where better to explore the season than a local favorite that knows great coffee?
Introducing Longfellow’s Coffee.
Founded by Jordan Jed and his father, Bruce Jed, in 2004, Longfellow’s began as a cozy drive-through coffee shop in Kinnelon, New Jersey. Jed’s culinary background and his father’s marketing expertise turned the early operation into a beloved local business. Today, Longfellow’s has expanded to a second, larger location in Mahwah, where the team has room to explore new flavors, bake pastries and breads in-house and create its own syrups.
When Jordan thinks about fall, he naturally gravitates toward “warmer flavors,” especially those featuring “cinnamon, brown sugar and apple.” These familiar ingredients capture the comfort of the season while providing a starting point for new combinations.
What sets Longfellow’s apart is that these flavors are not simply pulled from a bottle. Its syrups are made in-house from scratch, giving the team the freedom to experiment and create combinations that feel both familiar and fresh.
The team also enjoys bringing unexpected ingredients into the mix. This fall, they are bringing back some favorites. “We are always excited for the return of rosemary, walnut and sage, in the form of a syrup,” Jed says. Adding a savory richness to their flavor inventory. Alongside traditional pumpkin spice, flavors such as pumpkin caramel and pumpkin apple offer new ways to enjoy a familiar favorite.
Their seasonal apple cider drinks bring another layer to the fall menu, incorporating their own blend of warm spices for that cozy, just-came-in-from-the-cold feeling. As Jed puts it, “people are always so excited for the fall, and a seasonal drink can make an ordinary morning feel more special.”
And if your coffee order needs a plus-one, Longfellow’s pastry case is ready. Flaky croissants, seasonal muffins, fresh breads and jumbo cookies are baked fresh daily. Longfellow’s also supplies pastries and sweet treats to other cafes throughout New Jersey, creating connections with local businesses.
Jed’s culinary background shines through in how he approaches flavor. Inspiration can come from almost anywhere. A memorable dessert might spark a new drink, while a trending flavor can become the foundation for a new syrup. This fall, one source of inspiration is sticky toffee pudding. “Toffee pudding is delicious,” Jed says, noting that inspiration from multiple avenues can influence future creations.
From there, the team works backward, considering whether an idea works best as a hot drink, iced beverage or baked treat. Social media also helps the team keep an eye on the flavors customers are talking about and craving. Rather than simply following trends, they use those ideas to create something unique while maintaining high quality. The result is an evolving menu, with the team refreshing its flavor palette every two months.
This fall, Jed is especially excited for customers to try new cinnamon rolls featuring decadent combinations like caramel apple, banana and blueberry.
Of course, no conversation about Longfellow’s fall menu would be complete without its classic pumpkin spice latte. But even here, there is room to make it your own. Customers can explore options like pumpkin caramel and pumpkin apple or customize their drinks to suit exactly what they are craving. Longfellow’s also offers almond and oat milk at no extra fee.
What began as a father-son passion project has grown into a local coffee destination built around creativity, community and great coffee. This fall, Longfellow’s Coffee invites customers to slow down, try something familiar, discover something new and customize a drink they did not even know they were craving.
Ready to embrace the season? Visit Longfellow’s Coffee at longfellows.coffee and discover seasonal drinks and freshly baked treats.
“We are always excited for the return of rosemary, walnut and sage, in the form of a syrup,” — Jordan Jed.
“People are always so excited for the fall, and a seasonal drink can make an ordinary morning feel more special.” — Jordan Jed.