Brighton Coffeehouse - Lake Trust Credit Union

A renewed commitment.

Amy’s late husband, Marcus, is why the family is involved in the coffee world. He was a visionary entrepreneur and started the popular Espresso Royale chain of coffee shops. But in many ways, Brighton Coffeehouse and Theater is different from the family’s previous ventures.

Brighton Coffeehouse and Theater is where Amy and Spencer can continue Marcus’s legacy and elevate the customer experience. For example, Spencer has become a coffee expert after years of shadowing his father and appreciating the perfect brew. He trains each employee to understand the bean-sourcing process and the nuances of their in-house roasting. Both Amy and Spencer bring this knowledge and experience to the community, always willing to educate customers about the complexities of every cup.

More than a coffeehouse.

Whether you stop by for an iced latté or a fresh scone, it is immediately clear this business is more than a coffeehouse. It is a gathering space. A community hub. And a place for live theater, too. Amy regularly directs productions on the stage, calling upon local actors for plays like Almost Maine and Sylvia. She is an actor and director by training, and it was her husband’s vision to incorporate her passion for the theater into their business.

“Working with Lake Trust is the perfect partnership.”

Amy and Spencer are long-time business members with deep roots at Lake Trust. That’s why they consider Lake Trust to be, “an extension of Brighton Coffeehouse and Theater.” Amy says, “It’s all about relationships at Lake Trust. And that really helps our business.” In 2019, Amy and Spencer worked with Lake Trust to secure an Elevate Grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Indianapolis for a new outdoor patio space. The patio overlooks Brighton Mill Pond and brings the coffeehouse ambiance to the outdoors. And the best part? It has consistently doubled business in the summer! More people are learning about Brighton Coffeehouse and Theater, thanks to a powerful partnership and a strong commitment to the community.