PennWest Clarion SBDC Client Success Story
Community-Minded Business Owners Hope to enhance Trail Town and Artisan Atmosphere in Oil City

On November 18th, 2022, Woods & River Coffee, a new coffee shop in Oil City, PA that will also offer tea, baked goods, and various breakfast and lunch options, celebrated its grand opening. Additionally, the business will also offer lodging options on the building’s second floor for hikers/bikers traveling on the nearby Erie to Pittsburgh trail, with two short term rentals available throughout the year. The business is housed in the former location of longstanding coffee shop Spilling the Beans, which had previously operated as a staple in the community for nearly two decades at 2 W Front Street despite multiple ownership transitions. Ultimately, the business decided to close its doors on June 30th, 2022.

“You were able to turn our somewhat jumbled vision for our business into a tangible reality. We can’t begin to express our thanks.”

The new owners of the business, Marcia J. Hall and Erin E. Wanninger, are both highly invested in the economic future of Oil City and Venango County in general, as well as in its natural beauty, as they are both avid hikers on Pennsylvania’s many hiking/biking trails. Together, they hope to establish a thriving, trail-focused café/lodging destination located right along the Allegheny River, and located just a block away from the Erie to Pittsburgh hiking/biking trail in the heart of Oil City’s South Side business district.

Having dreamt for years of starting their own small business, Ms. Hall and Ms. Wanninger saw immense opportunity in re-establishing a coffee shop at the location following Spilling the Bean’s closure. Given its riverfront location and proximity to the Erie to Pittsburgh trail, and of course its previous popularity among locals, the duo felt they could improve upon the past business model. Previously, both Ms. Hall and Ms. Wanninger had accumulated significant experience in managerial roles as well as in the coffee shop industry. During her time in college, Ms. Hall worked as an assistant manager and barista at a coffeehouse in Erie, PA, preparing food, drinks, and managing a team of four employees. Additionally, Ms. Hall also worked in a variety of managerial roles at the Erie County Public Library, and also brings notable baking and cooking expertise to the business, having served as a part time baker/cook at Core Goods (Oil City, PA).

Ms. Wanninger also has had extensive experience in the industry, having worked as a barista at several coffee shops/cafes. Furthermore, she also has served in a variety of managerial roles, including, but not limited to, an executive director position at the Erie County Public Library, co-owner of another coffee shop, and work as a nonprofit director. Quickly engaging in negotiations with the previous owners of Spilling the Beans, the owners were quickly able to purchase the business’s existing equipment and negotiate a lease. However, while the owners had both the passion, managerial, and industry experience to effectively and efficiently assume ownership of their own small business, they sought the expertise of the SBDC to begin constructing a business plan to possibly obtain outside financing for further needed renovations, equipment, furniture/fixtures, inventory, and working capital.

The owners decided to cut corners and finance the project themselves. They competed in the local trail town business plan competition sponsored by the Oil Region Alliance (ORA) and won second place, receiving a $5,000 prize. The money was used for outdoor seating, bike parking, and a bike fix-it station that overlooks the Allegheny River. The SBDC assisted and was present for the Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting ceremony of the business.

Since opening, Woods & River Coffee has continued to grow and expand its impact within the community. In November of 2025, the business opened a second location at 100 Seneca Street on the south side of downtown Oil City, further solidifying its presence in the area. In February of 2026, the Venango Chamber of Commerce recognized this success by naming Woods & River Coffee the 2025 Business of the Year. Along with this growth, the company has significantly expanded its workforce and now employs 5 full-time employees and between 15–20 part-time employees.