A New Home for Stinky’s Coffee
On the precipice of Ryan McNaughton’s grand opening of his coffee shop in the Town of Moreau, New York, off Exit 17, we chatted inside Kitch-A-Vibe, drinking coffee from his own roasted blend sold by the café, named Kitch-A-Buzz. Since 2021, Ryan has been on a journey into the world of coffee, which started as a hobby during the pandemic as he reflected on the wonderful, aromatic memories with his grandparents. Securing an 800-gram coffee roaster, he spent a year experimenting and learning the art of coffee brewing, eventually deciding to create a business.
The name Stinky’s comes from a shirt Ryan wore frequently, eliciting the nickname “Stinky” among his friends. While it started as a placeholder when creating the company, the brand quickly attracted attention as he ventured to coffee expos in Boston and New York City. He sources his coffee beans from different importers across the country, who then help select the best beans based on market pricing and seasonal availability. The care and craftsmanship that Ryan has cultivated are shown in all of his unique roasts. Earlier this year, he helped Troy Middle School Spanish teachers Bruce Chase, Christine Baseel, and their students raise money for education costs for girls in Guatemala. The students hand-painted labels on the bags of roasted coffee beans supplied by Stinky’s Coffee from Guatemala to support the cause.
Throughout 2023 and 2024, Ryan and his small team have been to many events across the Northeast, from the Farm-Aid Festival in Saratoga Springs, the Glens Falls Brewfest, and the LARAC Festival, to the Adirondack Balloonfest and Spa City Farmer’s Market. Every step of the way, Stinky’s Coffee has elicited delight with each cup. The success continually escalated, eventually securing a lease for a new building renovation in Moreau.
Formerly Suzuki Autoworld, Brian McKenzie of McKenzie Drywall and business partner Ben Alden have transformed the space into Monroe Commons. Featuring not only Stinky’s Coffee but also a salon, barbershop, and cybersecurity firm, it complements the bustling Route 9 corridor off Exit 17 from the Northway. Walking inside the building feels like stepping into a gorgeously designed town, with two floors of stunning offices and rooms. Stepping up to the counter of Stinky’s Coffee, a large mural by artist Hannah Williams is seen on the wall, with another mural in the communal seating area above. Inside the kitchen, Steve Jackoski of Saratoga Restaurant Equipment Sales sourced commercial kitchen appliances that will complement the café. Alongside a selection of coffees, Ryan enlisted the help of Manager Jack Hart to cultivate a menu of sandwiches for breakfast and lunch, with gluten-free and vegetarian options. Bread and baked goods will be made in-house, thanks to baker Kevin Haux, formerly the owner of Haux’s Nest Bakery in Queensbury, New York.
The grand opening is projected to be on Monday, December 8th, ensuring that commuters driving on Route 9 can get their caffeinated fix on the first day of the workweek. There is one thing for certain: Stinky’s Coffee sure tastes and smells great in its new home!