New coffeehouse percolates in Arlington

Sarah Goetz Staff Writer

Students looking for a bit of tea and sympathy now have a novel destination in Arlington. The Crafted Kup, a coffeehouse located just off campus on Raymond Avenue. The Kup opened in November, providing a day-time alternative to the nearby Cubbyhole Coffeehouse.

In addition to serving a wide selection of coffees, teas and pastries, the Kup offers free WiFi and maintains a relaxed, peaceful ambiance in which patrons can read, listen to music or surf the Internet while sipping their cup of java.

“I’ve spent about four hours in here today,” said Laurie Dowd ’11, sitting on one of the shop’s couches with a cup of coffee and a stack of books. Dowd likes the “homey, not as commercialized” feel of the shop, and added, “I like that it’s a local shop...it’s important to support these local businesses.”

The upper level of the shop, furnished with an assortment of tables and chairs, offers a comfortable, spacious setting in which to unwind. Its hardwood floors, subdued pastel walls, wall hangings and lamps create a cozy atmosphere.

The shop is owned by Ken Kraft, a Poughkeepsie native who spent 36 years working in highway engineering and public works. Kraft changed career paths when he opened the coffeehouse, which he calls his “retirement.”

Kraft, who said he has been recycling all his life, has striven to make the coffee shop as eco-friendly as possible.

“I feel that we have to have a sustainable society,” he said, and added that making the business environmentally friendly “was something I was going to try to do, even if it cost me a few pennies more for each cup of coffee.”

The coffeehouse uses biodegradable cups and composts all of its coffee grinds and leftover food at Vassar Farm.

Kraft and his wife, who helps run the shop, also patronize local food providers. Their coffees come from J.B. Peel in Red Hook and from Green Mountain Roasters, and their tea is from the Dutchess County-based Harney and Sons. Their fresh bagels and pastries, which are delivered daily, come from local bakers.

In addition to going green, the Krafts are also providing healthy options, including a variety of whole-wheat and organically-grown baked goods. They are even offering some gluten-free treats from the food company Soul Dog.

So far, Kraft is “very happy” with the business, and he is optimistic about its continued success. While he noted that the primary demographic for their clientele base must be the permanent residents of Poughkeepsie, Kraft is also focusing his attention on Vassar students. “We’re here to be a part of the community,” he said.

That Arlington community includes the Cubbyhole Coffeehouse, a coffeeshop that has long been a fixture on Raymond, often hosting musicians and open mic nights.

“I don’t feel affected by it at all,” said Cubbyhole owner Lee Brown, who explained that profit had never been the primary reason for running the Cubbyhole. “I’m doing it .out of love for the music and to provide a place for artists.“

Kraft sees two distinct patron-groups for each shop, and does not view the Cubbyhole as a rival to his shop.

“I don’t want to be open to compete…I just want to be here when nobody else is,” he said. “That’s why we chose the hours [of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m]...We have chosen the right paths with both the quality of our products as well as the atmosphere that we’re trying to create,” Kraft said. “We do see a lot of return faces, and we see a lot of new faces.”

Those are both good signs, and it heralds nothing but further success for the Crafted Kup.