'Crazy' Dream Becomes Reality for Ward Melville Alumna

Callie Brennan has had plenty of experience in the food service industry, but a wild dream to open up her own place has now come true with the opening of Crazy Beans coffee shop and bar in Miller Place.

Located where the now defunct Beanberry Caffe once was, Brennan is looking to create a unique space where coffee, food and beer lovers can all go and enjoy.

The Ward Melville High School and SUNY New Paltz grad grew up in Stony Brook and has worked at popular spots in the area such as The Bench, Jake Starr Cafe and Tap and Barrel. After a while, she simply decided she was ready to do this on her own.

"Everybody said 'you're insane,'" Brennan said. "I love people. Working those jobs you get to meet new people every day so that’s something I fell in love with. What we’re sitting in right now is my dream."

While coffee shops are on seemingly every corner on Long Island, Brennan is confident the uniqueness of Crazy Beans, such as an extensive food and drink options, a cozy interior and even an incredible collection of salt and pepper shakers, can set her spot apart.

"What I'm trying to do is create the coffee shop I always wish existed in my home town," she said. "Create somewhere that’s different ... I'm just trying to fill this space with things I love and hoping others enjoy it too."

Aside from the usual entertainment found at most coffee shops, Brennan is looking at new ways to create a fun environment.

"There are so many generic things that come with coffee shops and bars like open mic night and trivia so I’m trying to think a little bit outside the box," she said.

There is already a breast cancer fundraiser set for Halloween that will include a performance by an improv group, and also mentioned were other ideas that Brennan called 'Beer, Bingo and Biscuits' and a 'Drink and Draw.'

There are coffee options aplenty to go along with a craft beer list and breakfast and lunch menu featuring their signature 'GCBJ,' a grilled cheese with bacon jam. For Brennan, the reality of having her own place is starting to set in and she couldn't be more excited.

"I just wanted to create somewhere that was just fun," she said. "I’m also working with one of my best friends, Sam, and someone in the kitchen I’m really close with and sometimes I have to ask myself, ‘Is this real life’?"