Jai Santoro 

I first walked into Cordella’s and immediately saw familiar faces. People were sitting at tables on the sidewalk, enjoying the sunshine and sipping coffee on this radiant Monday afternoon. It was around 1:00 p.m., and the place was still buzzing with energy. Pieces of conversations drifted from table to table—talks of family, Mother’s Day gatherings, mixed with debates about recent local politics. Everyone seemed connected in this orchestra of a gathering, each person bringing their own unique note to the harmony of the community. 

I sat down with co-owners Alecia Bishop and Andy Jimison to ask how Cordella’s has become such a cherished neighborhood cornerstone. 

More Than Just Coffee 

When Cordella’s Coffee opened its doors in Worcester’s June St. neighborhood, it wasn’t just about caffeine—it was about connection. 

“We didn’t just want to serve coffee,” said Alecia Bishop, one of four co-owners. “We wanted to create a place where people could see their neighbors, have spontaneous conversations, and feel like they belong. That’s always been the heart of the vision.” 

That vision began taking shape in 2023 when Andy Jimison, who had previously opened a small video game store on the block, saw potential in the adjacent vacant space. With more families moving into the neighborhood and longtime favorites like Lulu’s and Root & Press no longer nearby, there was a hole in the community that only a walking distance café could fill.” 

“I thought, what if we built something that could grow with the neighborhood—something that felt like home?” said Jimison. 

He brought the idea to his cousin-in-law, Ellie Ellis, and his wife, Jess Rao. The three then teamed up with Bishop, who brought years of specialty coffee and food service expertise to the table. That collaboration became Cordella’s. 

From One Storefront to Three

The growth has been fast, but natural. What began in a single narrow unit has since expanded to three. The original video game shop has moved, allowing Cordella’s to take over the entire row of storefronts. 

They started with very humble means. “At first, we couldn’t even afford an ice maker,” Jimison recalled. “We were bringing in bags of ice every morning before opening.” 

Now? “We’re literally knocking down walls,” said Bishop, laughing. “We’re opening up the whole space to create better flow, more seating, and eventually a full bar. It’s a huge transformation.” 

The expansion, set to begin in June 2025, includes structural renovations, a new bar, upgraded kitchen and espresso equipment, and improved curb appeal. During construction, Cordella’s will continue operating via a mobile espresso cart stationed outside the shop. You’ll also find them at local events like “Out to Lunch” on Worcester Common and other pop-ups around the city. 

Coffee by Day, Cocktails by Night 

Cordella’s isn’t stopping at lattes and pastries. With a hard-earned liquor license—secured after a determined and persistent process—and a successful community-backed investment campaign through Numarket, the café is poised to evolve into a full-fledged neighborhood gathering space that stretches into the evening. 

“We’re building a space that adapts to people’s days,” said Bishop. “Start your morning with a latte and a pastry, meet a friend in the afternoon for a snack, and swing by in the evening for a cocktail or local craft beer.” 

That shift includes expanded hours, a curated drink menu, and events designed to foster community—think game nights, creative workshops, and even a book club. 

“I don’t really see it becoming a club vibe,” added Bishop. “I think what we need are places where you can sit and have a conversation.” 

Both she and Jimison emphasized that the future shape of Cordella’s will be guided by the needs of the neighborhood itself. 

Powered by Community 

From the start, the June Street community has rallied around Cordella’s. Their Numarket campaign didn’t just meet its goal—it exceeded it. Contributors showed up not only with funds but with handwritten notes, social media shares, and words of encouragement in person.

“We were blown away,” said Bishop. “It wasn’t just about raising money—it was about seeing how many people cared about what we were doing. It confirmed that Cordella’s means something to this community.” 

In return, the team structured the investment with real value: contributors receive 120% back over time, ensuring mutual benefit. 

“We’re not just taking—we’re giving back,” said Jimison. “This place works because it’s a two-way relationship.” 

Local Roots, Lasting Impact 

All four owners live locally and have deliberately shaped Cordella’s with Worcester in mind—from partnering with nearby businesses to sourcing from local artists and food vendors. 

“It’s important to us that this doesn’t feel corporate or imported,” said Bishop. “We live here, our kids go to school here, we shop here. This is our community.” 

Even their hiring practices reflect that commitment. Cordella’s is woman-led and staffed by a diverse, thoughtful, community-driven team. The goal isn’t just to grow a business—it’s to anchor a neighborhood. 

Referencing recent challenges that have impacted communities across the city, Jimison said, “I think that’s another reason why you should support local, small businesses. Because we are people in this community, and there’s a way we can be something beyond just a place to get coffee. As business owners, we should collectively speak up and advocate for community. Political change is super attainable in small districts with good voter turnout.” 

Looking Ahead 

With renovations about to kick off, a mobile espresso cart ready to bridge the transition, and an expanded vision for day-to-night service, Cordella’s is on track to become more than just a café. It’s becoming a neighborhood institution—one that evolves with the rhythm of the day and the people who make it thrive. 

They offer vegan and gluten-free options to ensure everyone feels welcome, and are excited to expand that menu in the months ahead. 

“This is the kind of space we’ve always wanted in our own neighborhood,” said Bishop. “Now we get to build it—for everyone.” Jimison closed our conversation with a message of heartfelt appreciation: “We’re extremely grateful for the outpouring of support that’s helped grow this small shop into something with a ceiling only capped by imagination, support, and the needs of the community.” 

Cordella’s Coffee is located at 116 June St., Worcester, MA 01602. Stop in, say hello, and if you haven’t already, consider supporting their next chapter—you’ll be investing in more than just a cup of coffee.