For many living in or near Ronks, Gideon and Elsie Smucker's business isn't just a place to grab a cup of coffee, fill up on a bagel sandwich or even indulge in many flavors of cheesecake.

"It's become a destination point friends and family have to visit whenever they are visiting from New Jersey," says Erna Chirico, of Ronks.

That's not to say that the Chirico family doesn't have a favorite item on the Whole Latte Beans menu.

"It's one of the few places we've found that make a true New York-style bagel," she says.

But more than the food, it's the atmosphere and friendly attitude of the Smuckers and their employees that keeps everyone coming back.

"It's like walking into the Cheers TV show," says Chirico. "Everyone really does know your name."

In addition to bagels and cheesecakes, Gideon Smucker says he has an extraordinary baker on his staff who bakes many kinds of bread including rye, honey wheat and a tasty white.

And there are other sweet treats such as three layer cakes and real, espresso-dipped ladyfingers.

"We serve many of our sandwiches on our fresh-baked breads," says Smucker. "We gain new customers after every first bite of freshness."

To listen to Smucker talk about his Whole Latte Beans is to hear the voice of a man who sounds like he's been in the restaurant business forever. Surprisingly, that isn't the case.

He and his wife are actually truckers by trade.

"My wife and I exchanged a lot of information by CB radio on where the best places were to eat on the road," says Smucker. "We took all of our favorite ideas and tried to build them into a business of our own."

Those ideas go beyond fresh-baked goods. Whole Latte Bean has the feel of home. After years of taking notes on the road, the couple went with warm colors, a leather couch and a working fireplace.

In time, the couple also hopes to improve the outside of their building, which was once a Turkey Hill.

"People walk in and can't believe the night and day difference between the outside and in," says Smucker. "We are the perfect example of not being able to judge a book by its cover."

There is music and entertainment every Saturday evening. Also on Saturday night from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Smucker's offer a free dessert with the purchase of a large latte.

"Again, it's all about getting people to take that first bite of something new," says Smucker.

For customer Laura Martin, of Strasburg, Whole Latte Beans has become a stop that is good for her marriage.

"I am a vegan and my husband is not," laughs Martin. "But I'll tell you, there is something really, really good on their menu for just about any palate."

SIDE DISH

Whole Latte Beans, which is owned by Gideon and Elsie Smucker, is located at 2801 Lincoln Highway, in Ronks.

The eatery is open Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There is live entertainment on Saturday evenings and there is no cover charge. On Saturday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Whole Latte Beans features a free dessert with the purchase of a large latte. For details, visit www.wholelatte
beans.com.