Outsiders Coffee Roasters Celebrates Grand Opening in Scotch Plains

Local officials and residents gathered Tuesday to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of Outsiders Coffee Roasters, a new specialty café located at 1943 Route 22.

Mayor Josh Losardo, Township Manager Margaret Heisey, Councilmembers Elizabeth Stamler and Ellen Zimmerman, and Economic Development Director Tom Strowe joined owner Ames Abdon to officially welcome the family-owned business to the township.

Abdon, a former strength coach, pivoted to coffee roasting following a career-ending ACL injury in 2016. He launched the Outsiders brand in 2018 and roasts his beans in Lyndhurst, though he aims to eventually relocate roasting operations to Scotch Plains as an open-concept experience.

The new shop specializes in third-wave coffee, offering espresso drinks, specialty beverages, and pastries sourced from local partners Kirschenbaum’s Bakery and Balthazar Bakery. Free Wi-Fi and seating are available for patrons.

Outsiders Coffee Roasters operates Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.