Several businesses have been forced to close within the Eastern Townships due to the effects of the pandemic. But Virgin Hill Coffee, located in Foster, has been able to adapt successfully and will soon offer a drive-thru option for customers.

Before COVID-19, the only way to grab a coffee was to park outside of an industrial-looking building and enter through the only door of the building. Once inside, the space to order was small and there was minimal seating capacity. With the need to continue operations, owners Tara Moar and Matthew Greer decided to do drive-thru service.

They decided to set up pylons in the parking lot to create a driving lane. When a car drove through the lane, an employee would come outside to the car window to take the driver's order. But this was only practical on sunny days; when it rained, it was less convenient. All the same, Virgin Hill saw their sales rise.

Due to the success, Virgin Hill applied for a construction permit from the Town of Brome Lake. The construction permit would allow the business to construct a permanent drive-thru structure as well as upgrade the landscaping to turn a current parking lot into a park. This would include plants, flowers, and picnic tables for people to enjoy.

“This would greatly improve the value of the space,” said Mayor Richard Burcombe.

During the last council meeting this project was voted on and approved. There is no word of when ground will be broken, but until then, the make shift drive-thru is still open for people to receive their coffee fix.

Here is Mayor Richard Burcombe, speaking at town council: