Doers and Dreamers – Josie Eriole
Kingston’s Rondout Waterfront has a number of well known attractions that draw people to that district and recently another establishment has opened that provides an attraction of a different flavor. The bright, cheery atmosphere of this coffee shop matches the personality of the owner and together they make a great place to hang out for coffee and a bite to eat while relaxing on the picturesque waterfront. Given the owner’s background, I would expect a lot more to be happening in this space in the not so distant future.
Your name: Josie Eriole
Business or organization: Redstart Coffee, 1 West Strand, Kingston
Occupation: Owner
What is your approach to your business or occupation that makes you unique?
My approach with Redstart stems from my desire to create a clean comfortable space in this area that would facilitate connection or solitude, conversation or reflection, creativity or relaxation and 
be a space that would serve as an outlet for artists and local artisan food makers.
Where are you from originally? Albany NY
What brought you to the Kingston area and keeps you in this area?
I absolutely love the history of Kingston, the Rondout-West Strand district in particular. I’m very proud to be a member of this thriving business community and the opportunity to be a part of the daily comings and goings of both locals and visitors alike in this active waterfront is extremely rewarding and just plain fun.
What is your favorite hangout in this area and why?
The second bench to the right of the gazebo in TR Gallo park is a favorite spot of mine. I find water extremely grounding and the diverse community provides for great people watching, a favorite pastime of mine. Also sitting and drinking the house Margarita at Mole Mole!
When you’re not in Kingston, what’s your idea of a wonderful city to visit, and why?
I love lots of cities so that’s a hard question. But I’d have to say Chicago is at the top of my list. The resiliency is palpable. The mix of the incredible architecture rising up from the river running through it is an amazing unique feature.
Tell us something that we never would have guessed about you.
I am a professional singer and I once sang at a Live at the Apollo Theater concert in front of thousands of people. I was deathly afraid of being booed off the stage (which, if you don’t know the show, is a thing that happens frequently.) I was thankfully not booed off the stage and I came in second place!
