From Their Hands to Yours

Stories from the Market

First Coffee, Then Everything Else

“Coffee first. Save the world later.” — Caroline George, The Vestige

Ah… coffee. The unsung hero of the day. There is nothing like that first cup in the morning to get your world started. Dating back to around 800 AD, coffee has grown into a global commodity, second only to oil.

Here in New England, we love our coffee — 69% of us drink it, the highest rate in the country. We take it any way we can get it: hot or cold, light, medium or dark, drip, espresso, AeroPress or percolated. It revitalizes the spirit, moves mountains and mends both bridges and fences between people.

Coffee is the fortifier and icebreaker of tough conversations, the peace offering, the late-night study buddy. It bonds people in times of joy and in times of hardship. The British put the kettle on — we Americans brew a pot.

Around here, if you admit mid-morning that you haven’t had your coffee yet, you’ll be met with a mix of horror and deep compassion. Any decent human will feel compelled to help you find a cup before you go any further.

We here in the Market village understand the need for a great cup of coffee to start your day. That’s why we love our vendor Coffee & Biscotti Co., serving up delicious ways to get your first cup of joe.

Owner Lisa Szmyt crafts each drink hot or iced, from espresso and cappuccino to Americano and latte. Every cup is made to order, right on the spot, with care and a little bit of magic.

Flavor options like apple, caramel, blueberry and Irish cream can be blended into your drink, along with add-ons like milk, oat milk or a pillowy soft top. Seasonal specials bring a little extra spring to your step.

Looking for something stronger? A Red Eye or an extra shot (or two) of espresso will give your morning that high-octane boost.

We caught up with Lisa to learn more about the story behind Coffee & Biscotti Co.

What inspired you to start your own business, and why coffee? What is your relationship with coffee?
Thirteen years ago, I got my pup Biscotti (the puppy in our logo!). Every morning, I would post a photo called “coffee and Biscotti” — just my cup of coffee and my dog sitting next to it.

It became my favorite part of the day — slow mornings with my pup and a great cup of coffee. For years, I had the idea of opening a coffee shop called Coffee & Biscotti, but I always talked myself out of it.

After my husband and I got married last year, we talked about how unhappy I was in my corporate job. The idea of a mobile coffee cart came up and we decided to take the leap. I wanted to bring that same cozy feeling to others — a good cup of coffee and a moment of comfort.

What’s the story behind the name Biscotti? Do you make them yourself?
We partner with September Farm Bakery, also at the Salem NH Farmers Market, for our biscotti, cookies and muffins. Biscotti is also one of our dogs’ names, so the name really reflects our love of coffee and dogs — but of course, we had to include cookies too!

Where do you source your coffee and flavors? Who taste tests?
We source our espresso beans from Maya Gourmet in Methuen. We loved their coffee, and while they don’t typically wholesale, they were open to working with us.

My husband and I are the main taste testers, but my family has helped a lot as we’ve experimented with syrups and recipes.

Your husband is often at the market with you. How does he support the business?
He’s my biggest supporter. He works full time as a UPS driver during the week, which is physically demanding, but still comes to every event to help. He’s also co-owner of Coffee & Biscotti Co.

Eventually, we hope to have a second trailer that he can run himself.

What challenges have you faced in starting and growing your business?
The biggest challenge has been getting out of my own way. I spent years telling myself I wasn’t a “business person.”

Now I wear so many hats — accounting, barista, marketing, even plumber and carpenter at times. I learn something new every day.

Do you only do farmers markets, or other events as well?
We do everything — farmers markets, fairs and town events. We also book private events like weddings, showers, birthdays, graduations and staff appreciation.

We’re currently working on securing a weekday location for morning commuters as well.

What’s next for Coffee & Biscotti Co.?
Our trailer was delivered just a couple of weeks ago, which is a huge next step. From there, we want to build our brand, expand into merchandise — including dog items — and eventually add another trailer so we can be part of even more events.

How can customers stay up to date?
The best way is through social media, where we share our schedule, seasonal flavors and fun videos.

Facebook: Coffee & Biscotti
Instagram and TikTok: @coffeeandbiscottico

Do you offer private events?
Yes — absolutely. We’ve already booked several weddings for 2026 and 2027. We also do showers, birthdays, graduations, staff appreciation events, store openings and pop-ups with local businesses.

So head on over, grab your perfect cup and start your day the right way — because around here, everything is better after coffee.