Meet Caleb Harrington at Nothing Nowhere

Caleb Harrington standing on the bar at Nothing Nowhere Cafe.

Locally known artist and seasoned barista Caleb Harrington brings us Nothing Nowhere, a cozy cafe located inside Home Green Home on the Ithaca Commons. Nothing Nowhere serves various coffee flavors from roasters Touchy Coffee in handcrafted mugs made by local artist Sarah Cherin. Plus, it sells fresh baked goods prepared by local bakers. 

We caught up with Caleb — he is quite personable and an excellent conversationalist — to learn more about his business…

What year did your business open? 

December 2019 

How long have you owned/managed this business? How many years of experience do you have in your line of work?

Caleb Harrington pours a drink at Nothing Nowhere. Harrington is the owner of this cozy cafe located in Home Green Home on the Ithaca Commons.

Since the very beginning, December 2019. 

I began working as a barista out of high school. I wanted to pursue a creative route with my life, and I quickly discovered that college might not be the best decision for exploring the arts. So, after working as a barista at several different cafés, my desire grew to learn more about the cafe industry. I moved to Ithaca with the hopes of working for Gimme! Coffee. I spent three years working at Gimme! In that period, my friend Samantha Mason and I decided to start the unionization efforts. I discovered that to continue going down this road of bringing something new and exciting to this industry, it was time I look into doing it myself.

Are you an Ithaca native? If not, where are you from, and what brought you to the Ithaca area? Tell us your backstory! 

I’ve lived in various parts of New York’s Southern Tier. (See answer above)

What did you choose to own, manage, create this type of business? And, Why did you decide to work in Downtown Ithaca? 

I was looking at multiple spaces, and when I learned that Home Green Home wanted a cafe, I knew that this was the place to start my business. This shop is a perfect fit for me for the café. It’s a community space where people feel comfortable spending long periods, hanging out at the bar, having enlightening and fun conversations, and chilling with other people. It’s also a place where I promote friends who are in the business: I’m thrilled to work with my friends at Superior Merchandise in Troy, New York. They are an inspiration to me. Their coffee is called Touchy Coffee Roasters.  I also carry delicious desserts Finger Lakes Bakes. 

What do you enjoy most about your business? 

Nothing Nowhere is more than a coffee shop. People come here to enjoy thought-provoking and entertaining conversations. Plus, it’s a showcase of locally sourced gourmet coffees and baked goods. 

What makes your business special? i.e., Why should people shop at your store/eat at your restaurant/ or try your services?

Handcrafted mug at Nothing Nowhere cafe

Enjoy a freshly prepared cappuccino served in a handcrafted mug at Nothing Nowhere.

Our coffee is locally sourced, produced in the region. You can come here for fantastic coffee and conversation.

What is your business’s most significant accomplishment? 

We’ve been open for a couple of years now. I’d say that’s an incredible accomplishment. Plus, co-sharing space with two other extraordinary small businesses/retailers the new way to operate a successful business.  

What do you enjoy most about working in Downtown Ithaca? 

The people. Every day brings new faces into the cafe, whether it’s locals, visitors, or tourists. I enjoy the conversations I have with the people who visit and live in this area. 

Are you involved in any community organizations, clubs, groups? If so, which ones?  

I volunteer at Ithaca Generator, and I’m an artist.

Outside of operating your business, what are some of your hobbies, passions, talents, or causes? Does it overlap with your business on a day-to-day or annual basis?

I love creating functional art … With assistance from some friends, I produced the furnishings you’ll see in Nothing Nowhere. A dozen different people developed the bartop, all from lumber from Danby Hardwoods. It’s all one tree that’s been ship lapped out and mirrored through veneers.

 

To learn more about Caleb and Nothing Nowhere, visit the cafe’s Facebook Page, Instagram Page, or stop by the cafe at 126 E. State St. (The Commons)

The Faces of Downtown Ithaca

Some say the best referrals come from trusted family and friends. In Downtown Ithaca, quality recommendations often come from speaking directly to our hospitable downtown business owners and managers. Afterall, who knows their business best than the business owner themselves.

Welcome to Faces of Downtown Ithaca where we’ll give you an insider’s look at downtown’s shops, let you meet your shopkeepers, and restaurateurs who provide this area with some of the finest shopping, dining, and attractions that the Finger Lakes Region has to offer.

Not only do these folks work here, but they also dine, shop, and play here. Many of them also live here, too! This is their Downtown Ithaca and now, they are sharing some of their histories with you.

#facesofdowntownithaca