Coffee Box replaces Trolley near Kingston ferry

The Kingston Port Commission agreed to renew the lease for space for a food stand at the corner of Highway 104 and Washington Boulevard, adjacent to the ferry toll booths, for one year while the board considers other development plans.

KINGSTON — The Kingston Port Commission agreed to renew the lease for space for a food stand at the corner of Highway 104 and Washington Boulevard, adjacent to the ferry toll booths, for one year while the board considers other development plans.

Sean Osborn acquired the 104 Trolley from the Slothaugs. Under their ownership, the 104 Trolley evolved from a popcorn stand into a popular place for ferry-goers to have coffee, ice cream and hot dogs.

Osborn contacted the port about renewing the lease, and the board expressed interest in seeing a “newer, fresher look” at the site.

Osborn will remodel and upgrade the Trolley and rename it The Coffee Box. He said his stand will have a similar menu to the 104 Trolley, but with more emphasis on coffee and longer hours. It will feature local products and a larger workforce. Osborn expects The Coffee Box will open the first week of July.

Osborn moved to Kingston a year ago with his family. He said his background is in coffee.

“Kingston already has a lot of great coffee, a great tourist season, and [opening The Coffee Box] is just something that I’m interested in,” Osborn said.

Osborn asked for a three-year lease while he built a new but temporary structure in place of the trolley stand. Commissioner Walt Elliott said May 22 the commissioners want to keep their options open on that property.

Port Manager Kori Henry said the board has discussed a parking garage, hotel, a village shopping center or a restaurant that would include that space.

 

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