January 29, 2026 (Published: January 29, 2026)
Spire Coffeehouse in Toms River, New Jersey, just had a huge year — and we’re here for it.
Voted Best Local Coffee Shop in Ocean County for the third year in a row, Spire is clearly doing something right. The honor came from the 2025 Asbury Park Press Community Choice Awards, and it wasn’t the only recognition. The shop was also named Groundbreaking Business of the Year by the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce and earned a nomination in WRAT’s Shore Awards for Best Coffee Shop.
Not bad for a business that opened just three years ago.
A Shop Built to Inspire
Owners Bob and Eileen Opitz launched Spire Coffeehouse in 2022 after Bob made the leap from a 30-year career in insurance to follow a new dream. Inspired by his entrepreneurial father and guided by our 7 Steps to Success consulting program, Bob set out to build something special for the community.
The shop’s name — Spire — plays off the word inspire and nods to New Jersey’s iconic shoreline lighthouses.
Through the 7 Steps program, Bob and Eileen received hands-on guidance in every aspect of starting a coffee shop, from writing a business plan and designing the shop layout to choosing equipment and training baristas.
Three years later, their vision has grown into a hometown favorite, with not one but two locations in Toms River.
Brewing Coffee and Community
From the start, the Opitzes wanted Spire to feel like a community hub. With handcrafted drinks, locally baked treats, and cozy seating, the café invites people to stay a while.
And that’s exactly what people do. Live music nights, rotating art displays, vendor pop-ups, and local events have made the shop a gathering place for students, artists, families, and neighbors.
“We’re not just behind the counter — we’re out in the community too,” said Bob Opitz. “From festivals and fundraisers to teacher appreciation events, we show up. Our customers see that, and they’ve supported us every step of the way.”
Growing with Community Support
Spire has built strong partnerships with local schools, universities, bakers, and nonprofits. The café provides catering and coffee for events and fundraisers, supports student organizations, and collaborates with other small businesses to help everyone succeed.
With flagship and downtown locations, Spire Coffeehouse makes it easy to grab a favorite drink, discover local art, or relax with a friend.
Visit Spire at 1922 Hooper Avenue or 53 Main Street in Toms River.
For updates, follow @SpireCoffeehouse on Facebook and Instagram.
Want to Start a Coffee Shop of Your Own?
Bob and Eileen’s story is one we hear often at Crimson Cup — entrepreneurs with a vision and a passion for community. Our 7 Steps to Success program helps bring those visions to life. So far, we’ve helped over 300 entrepreneurs in 37 states get started. Some of them have passed their 20th anniversaries.
From your first idea to opening day and beyond, we walk with you every step of the way.
For a no-obligation chat, call Sales Leader Scott Fullerton at 1-888-800-9224 or email sfullerton@crimsoncup.com.
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