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Name: Brewed Awakening

Type of business: Coffee shop offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu

Address: 417 Main St., Metuchen

Telephone: (732) 744-9700

Number of employees: Four full-time, three part-time

Hours:7 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday

Founded: April 2000

Top officer: Annie Khan, owner

How would you describe your business? "We brew two different coffee varieties each day, have 10 different lattes, and we also have varieties of tea. We also serve food all day with 18 different omelets, wraps, Panini, burritos, salads, and soups all made with fresh ingredients," said owner Annie Khan.

What makes your business special?

"We have wi-fi or free Internet service and some of our customers bring their laptops, using our space as their office. We have customers who are here every day, Monday through Friday, at their laptop. We also have a leather couch for customers' comfort inside and tables and chairs outside to for customers who want to smoke or make cell phone calls.

"We are very attentive to our customer and know what they like. I've often seen a customer through the window across the street and have their their coffee ready for them when they enter."

What are the goals for the business?

"At the moment, we are trying to keep our prices reasonable in spite of some rising costs to keep the prices low and keep the clientele we have."

How has the business changed?

"When we bought this coffee shop, the people we bought the business from just served coffee and desserts. But when we came in, we expanded to more varieties of coffees, lattes, and teas, as well as desserts. Then we began serving breakfast and six months ago began adding sandwiches, wraps, salads, and soups to the menu."

What was your most important deal?

"Putting in the wireless one year ago and changing our menu. For eight-and-a-half years, we didn't change our menu, but when I became pregnant six months ago, I suddenly decided to begin increasing the menu to include a variety of wraps, Panini sandwiches, salads, and soups. I needed to do this. It may be time to relax, but now I'm working harder than ever."

What changes do you expect in next 10 years?

"I hope to keep growing and expanding. This (coffee shop) was my first."

What was the most important thing you've learned in your business? "Patience. We also have to keep up with the times. I've also learned that you need to be compatible with people and do something that makes you and them happy."

What advice would you give to someone considering you line of work?

"Before I opened this shop, I used to work in a coffee shop. I didn't have a clue about anything. I got my experience from the work I did in the shop. And then I took the idea from that coffee shop and expanded it. My advice would be to get hands-on experience by working in a coffee shop and seeing what has to be done and how to operate everything. As the owner, I still do many jobs. I am the dishwasher; I sweep the floor and greet the customers.

"A business is like a baby. You have to spend a lot of time with it, [have] dedication and it grows in time. You have to be patient. You don't see progress overnight."

Is there anything else you would rather be doing?

"No. I like being here with people talking and laughing. I like to make people happy. You want your customers coming back and enjoy being here. One customer came in one day and he hugged me. He told me he was moving out of state and said, 'I have had such bad times, with my job, my home, everything, but when I come in and see your smile and a simple hello, it made my day!'"