Aroma Joe’s is continuing its eastern Maine expansion.
The coffee shop is opening a location in Brewer later this year, according to Bob Brennan, co-owner of multiple Aroma Joe’s across the state.
The Aroma Joe’s is opening in a former firework store at 972 Wilson St. in October and will offer the chain’s signature beverages, including its Rush energy drink selection, Brennan said. An opening date has not yet been announced because the building is still being converted into a coffee shop.
Brennan has been looking to open a location in Brewer, but it’s taken time to find an open building to move into, he said. Brennan chose the location because demand is high and it’s on a popular route.
“Brewer deserves an Aroma Joe’s,” he said.
When it opens, Aroma Joe’s will be the fifth coffee shop in a 3-mile stretch on Wilson Street. The two locations in Bangor, which opened in 2025, are the most popular of the 11 Aroma Joe’s stores that Brennan and his business partner, Aaron Wiswell, own.
The Brewer location will have the same menu, including coffee, espresso drinks and other caffeinated beverages with some breakfast food options. It will also have the same hours, open daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The demand for Aroma Joe’s, which Brennan said has a large following among college students, has led to the franchise looking for other expansions, with more locations coming soon, he said. Brennan did not say where other shops would go.
Expanding has been exciting because each new shop allows for more people to try Aroma Joe’s, Brennan said.
“We’re excited to be in Brewer. I love selling happiness in a cup,” Brennan said.