Who are we, and what is
knockabout . . . about?
our mission:
Cupping/Scoring with friends Jacob Alejandro Coffee Culture @ 3fish Cafe in Albany, 2019
photo: Nicholas Rovazzini
We are strong believers in coffee excellence through passion and dedication. When it comes to creating memorable sensory experiences for others, there’s nothing we’d rather be doing.
About our cafe
Nomad is our flagship cafe and the home of Knockabout Coffee Roasters! Furnia opened Nomad in the center of Ballston Spa’s business district with his father Brian, May 2018— shortly after graduating high school and floating around cafes in the Upstate Area. Comprised almost entirely of reclaimed barn wood from local farms, the space took over a year to complete. They have been passionately serving their hometown ever since.
ABOUT THE ROASTER
Nick Furnia began his journey in coffee at the age of 17 when he created Nomad, his fledgling operation selling prepackaged coffee beverages to students at his high school. When it came time to graduate high school and face his future, he chose coffee. With the support of his family and friends, and using what would ostensibly be his college fund, he opened Nomad Coffee & Crepes right on the main strip in downtown Ballston Spa, NY.
Nick’s story is one of sweat equity and experimentation, and his venture into Knockabout Coffee Roasters only solidifies this idea. He told us his decision not to continue the Nomad brand into his roastery was due to personal growth - he sees his younger self as the creator of Nomad. As he moves through his 20s, he will continue to experiment, grow, and have fun the whole way, hence the name “Knockabout”.
-Kevin Miner, Upstate Coffee Collective