New Rochelle’s downtown scene just got a little sweeter and more caffeinated. Café Haven at Stella hosted its grand opening with a ribbon cutting with the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce earlier in May. The charming new coffee shop is nestled in the lobby of the luxurious Stella Apartments at 10 Lecount Place.
This cozy oasis offers everything from freshly brewed coffee and made-to-order sandwiches to cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and indulgent Dubai chocolate treats. With thoughtful touches like board games and inviting outdoor seating, Café Haven seamlessly blends a versatile environment for both productivity and relaxation, welcoming guests daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The founder
Founder Haseeb Shah, formerly of Grey’s Coffee Stand, reported that he and his team started a month prior to the cafe’s grand opening on May 9. His old location prior to opening Café Haven at Stella was called Grace Coffee Shop. “We had a passion for coffee and customer service,” he shares. “We thought it’s a great location and it’s a great start for us to build our cafe, build our community in New Rochelle.”
This is just one of Shah’s cafes that he’ll be opening in New Rochelle. “We have another one opening hopefully within the next two months; we’re just waiting for approvals from the city,” he says. The second location will have a different name, which he’s yet to disclose.
With Café Haven, Shah touts the cafe’s “cozy, peaceful atmosphere with warm, friendly customer service that helps guests feel relaxed and at home the moment they walk in.”
Creating the coffee at Café Haven
“We prioritize quality in everything we serve,” Shah notes. Sourcing is key when it comes to cultivating the ideal cafe, and Shah says Café Haven’s coffee is locally roasted in Westchester by small-batch brewers and harvesters he and his team trust, although he notes he prefers to keep specific vendors under wraps. “We use an Italian and Colombian bean blend to create a rich, balanced flavor profile,” he explains. He adds that the coffee is roasted to highlight the natural notes in each bean—from smooth and chocolatey to bright and fruity. “All of our roasters focus on ethical, sustainable sourcing practices,” he adds.
The pastries are sourced from an artisanal bakery nearby that bakes them fresh every morning. “We also work directly with fruit vendors to ensure just-ripe produce for our juices and smoothies,” he shares.
Cultivating the vibe
Café Haven’s auditory elements shift as the day progresses. “In the mornings, you’ll hear classic jazz, while later in the day we’ll switch to Afro house or mellow lo-fi—in other words, music that lifts the energy while still keeping the space calm and inviting,” Shah notes.
What can you expect in terms of the look of the cafe? “The decor is modern and minimal with earthy tones, soft lighting, and natural textures to create a comforting atmosphere,” he explains.
As New Rochelle’s downtown continues its renaissance, Café Haven at Stella is poised to become a cornerstone of the community’s daily ritual. With a thoughtfully sourced Italian-Colombian bean blend, fresh pastries, and a commitment to creating a space that evolves with the rhythm of the day, Shah and his team have crafted more than just another coffee shop—they’ve built an enclave of calm in New Rochelle’s suburban hub.
Whether you’re seeking a productive morning workspace accompanied by classic jazz, an afternoon meetup with friends over chocolate treats, or simply a moment of calm before or after your commute, this new addition to the Stella Apartments proves that sometimes the most meaningful connections happen over something as simple as a well-crafted cup of coffee. And with promises of another location opening in the coming months, it seems Shah’s vision for elevating New Rochelle’s coffee culture is just beginning to brew.
Café Haven at Stella
10 Lecount Place, New Rochelle
In the Lobby of the Stella Building
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