A bright blue 1977 VW bus is home to Cape Cod's newest mobile coffee shop

After April 27, if you spot a blue 1977 Volkswagen bus chugging down Route 6 or Route 28, chances are it’s the Press Ahead Coffee van heading to its location or event for the day.

Adoringly named Mrs. Potts, the bus is owned and operated by Jim and Denise Pressman, a West Dennis couple embarking on a new caffeinated adventure together.

“(We’re just) sharing the love of coffee,” Denise said.

Prior to opening the van, Jim worked in corporate marketing and advertising for 30 years while Denise ran her own photography studio — Fleeting Moments Photography — in West Dennis (and still does.) He said he envied the passion his wife had for her work and wanted to feel the same way about his.

Jim and Denise Pressman are opening their own mobile coffee business, Press Ahead Coffee, out of a 1977 Volkswagen van.
Jim and Denise Pressman are opening their own mobile coffee business, Press Ahead Coffee, out of a 1977 Volkswagen van.

“(I) just wanted to do something new, something different,” he said.

When they began looking for their mobile coffee shop, their first thought was to use a camper, but outfitting the camper proved too costly. By a stroke of luck, Jim saw that the owner of West Shore Coffee in Rhode Island had listed their bus for sale, and he bought it, kickstarting his new coffee career.

“It was already outfitted as a coffee shop, so we thought we'd be able to pass inspection,” Denise said. "We bought it and drove it home and decided to make a go of it.”

Before their coffee van adventure, the Pressmans were at-home coffee makers. Denise said the couple has an espresso machine, but it’s nothing special. Through talking with friends and members of the Dennis Chamber of Commerce — which she is a part of through her studio — she learned that the owners of Three Fins Coffee Roasters, Ron Reddick and Catherine Bieri, help teach aspiring coffee shop owners the ropes and asked them for some guidance.

Jim and Denise Pressman's mobile coffee business, Press Ahead Coffee, will be at different spots on Cape Cod throughout the week and available to hire for private events.
Jim and Denise Pressman's mobile coffee business, Press Ahead Coffee, will be at different spots on Cape Cod throughout the week and available to hire for private events.

“They've taught us how to use the machine — purchasing the machine through them (and) we'll get our beans through them — and the grinders and stuff,” she said. “It's been a very interesting process.”

A Snoopy air freshener hangs from the rear view mirror in the VW bus. Jim and Denise Pressman are opening their own mobile coffee company, Press Ahead Coffee, out of a 1977 Volkswagen bus.
A Snoopy air freshener hangs from the rear view mirror in the VW bus. Jim and Denise Pressman are opening their own mobile coffee company, Press Ahead Coffee, out of a 1977 Volkswagen bus.

Now, they and their bright blue van are preparing for year-round trips up and down the Cape serving coffee made from Three Fins Coffee beans, tea from Cape & Islands Tea, baked goods from Pelham on the Rise, and merch.

“We'll have water and all that stuff so when you go to the beach, you (can) stop by and pick up your coffee and snacks,” Denise said.

Fresh paint and details have been added to this 1977 Volkswagen bus. Jim and Denise Pressman are opening their own mobile coffee business, Press Ahead Coffee, out of a 1977 Volkswagen bus.
Fresh paint and details have been added to this 1977 Volkswagen bus. Jim and Denise Pressman are opening their own mobile coffee business, Press Ahead Coffee, out of a 1977 Volkswagen bus.

Press Ahead Coffee officially opens at a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. on April 27 outside Fleeting Moments Photography’s studio (862 Main St. West Dennis.)

While the nature of their business is mobile, customers can find Mrs. Potts and the Pressmans at the Chatham Farmers Market, the Mashpee Farmers Market and outside of Sandy Neck Provisions on Saturday mornings with more locations being announced on their social media — @pressaheadcoffee on Instagram and Facebook. Plus, Press Ahead Coffee is available to hire for events. To keep up with Mrs. Potts and Press Ahead Coffee, follow them on social media or visit their website www.pressaheadcoffee.com/.

Frankie Rowley covers entertainment and things to do. Contact her at frowley@capecodonline.com.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Press Ahead Coffee: Mobile coffee shop run out of a 1977 VW bus