The Inter-Mountain photo by Taylor McKinnie The CrimBridge Corner Market and Coffee Emporium is located on the corner of Crim Avenue and Bridge Street in Belington.

BELINGTON — The CrimBridge Corner Market and Coffee Emporium is bringing locally sourced products, produce, baked goods, coffee and more to downtown Belington.

Located on the corner of Crim Avenue and Bridge Street, the CrimBridge Corner Market and Coffee Emporium began last year as an endeavor between two sisters. Operations Manager Julie Sayre explained that her sister and building owner, Carol Everson, would drive past the building during her morning commute.

“(Everson) saw the building here on the corner and it was for sale, and she kept driving by it and thinking, ‘Man, that building needs help. I’d hate to see it go away,'” Sayre told The Inter-Mountain. “So she’d call me… and she would plead with me to come and help her do something with this building and maybe live in it etc., etc.”

Though Sayre was against the idea at first, after a long talk with Everson, Sayre said she was convinced that buying the building was “a good move.” Everson purchased the building in March 2024, with Sayre moving in as the Operations Manager in June 2024.

In the fall of 2024, the downstairs retail space of the building was turned into a farmer’s market through Christmas. Sayre described that time as a “lot of fun and a lot of busy-ness.”

From Upshur County’s Rolling Hills Farm, with their pickled ramps, to Woody and Sons with their maple syrup, the Market is built on local products.

“The essence of our business strategy, through the beginning of the market up to the time of deciding to bring coffee on board, has been to use local resources,” Sayre explained. “So, all of our farmer’s market goods were created or made, produced, by local residents or other local businesses.”

The farmer’s market has offered locally produced or West Virginia-based candles, crocheted blankets, dog treats, jellies, applebutter, honey, apple pie filling, fresh produce and more. Sayre explained that, due to the 2024 summer drought, the market had to branch out beyond Barbour, Upshur and Randolph counties to get certain items.

Coffee has also become a key part in the CrimBridge business model.

“We had a lot of people asking us, since Sheetz had closed, whether or not we could get coffee (in the market),” Sayre said.

The CrimBridge Coffee Emporium, which opened in April, also used locally sourced ingredients from Upshur County’s Mountain Roaster Coffee. Sayre explained that the market’s goal with the coffee shop is to create handcrafted coffees, stating, “Whatever you can imagine, we can make.”

Several local bakers also currently provide the Market/Emporium with a variety of baked goods. Jennette Kelly with Jennette’s Country Home Bakery in Philippi brings gluten-free and sugar-free items to the table while Amish bakers provide pepperoni rolls and pies.

When asked what she would recommend for first-time customers, Sayre said Kelly makes the “most amazing” cinnamon rolls, bearclaws, danishes and muffins. Drink-wise, Sayre said customers have really been enjoying the Empourium’s latest drink, the Caramel Apple Slush, which comes with a caramel apple lollipop.

Live, local music can also be found at CrimBridge, as well as events. On Thursday, Aug. 21, the Emporium hosted a free Coffee Shop Facial Party, and recently invited customers to bring a book and a friend for a “Sit n’ Sip” silent bookclub.

The Emporium also hosted a “Coffee with the Commissioner” event where guests could join Barbour County Commissioner Bob Richardson for a cup of coffee. Sayre added that she wanted to open the invitation to the other County Commissioners and other elected officials in the county.

“We can entertain all political parties, all genres of music, things like that,” Sayre said.

To learn more about The CrimBridge Corner Market and Coffee Emporium, visit their Facebook page.