It’s encouraging whenever a community supports rejuvenation. In the case of Joe Livewell, who recently opened River Wards Cafe in Port Richmond, it’s not just about bringing the community a reliable local establishment, but also about the rejuvenation of Richmond Street.

Richmond Street, once filled with entrepreneurs consisting primarily of first and second generation immigrants, is now home to vacant storefronts begging for attention and business. The vacancies are due in part to all of the chain stores built along Aramingo Avenue in the 80s and 90s, which led to the closing of many of the small businesses and shops along Richmond.

Livewell, a former Reanimator Coffee barista, is proud to have opened his beautiful new spot at 3118 Richmond St. and breathe new life into the commercial corridor. Featuring locally roasted Reanimator coffee, River Wards Cafe keeps its menu simple: coffee and espresso drinks, pastries by Au Fournil, and soft pretzels by Center City Pretzel Co. Livewell says that he wanted to make a simple grab and go coffee shop, but has been pleasantly surprised at the amount of espresso drinkers who have come into his shop.

River Wards features a gorgeous and slick design that rivals the best coffee shops in Philadelphia as well as New York City. The shop is set up in the form of a drink route so that you can converse with the barista and learn more about what it is that you’re about to drink. Knowing the origin of your coffee is an important aspect of today’s coffee world. From each berry being individually hand harvested, to the calculated rhythm of the espresso machine — serious coffee drinkers care about what’s in their cup.

Livewell likens the coffee ordering process at River Wards Cafe to a barber shop experience: You may not know what you want done to you hair, but after chatting it up with your barber you can arrive at one of the best hairdos you’ve ever had. Same goes with coffee — a conversation with you barista could lead you a new favorite brew.

Everyone I spoke with at River Wards Cafe has shown overwhelming support for the new business. In agreement, Port Richmond views it as something the neighborhood needs. The place was packed on opening day and many of the visiting customers have lived in Port Richmond their entire lives.

Mike Fox, born and raised in Port Richmond, said “It’s all about revitalizing Richmond Street. I wouldn’t mind seeing some more restaurants. Maybe even some BYOB’s.”

Gina Liczner, a resident for 26 years added, “the neighborhood needs this.”

Livewell stressed how the community really pulled together to help get the new shop open. He wants to thank Philadelphia Woodcraft, who built the tables, communal bench, and the bar; Urban Renewal Builders and Larry McKnight, who partnered with Livewell on the shop to help build out the place; and, of course, his friends and family.