In April of 2024 three friends approached Lina Eckstine, the owner of One North with a proposal to buy the business they had long admired and supported. They knew Ms. Eckstine from her previous work, and they had been avid fans of the Coffee Shop since it started back in 2017. Their purchase of the coffee shop was the newest page in One North’s history. The start of One North was impressive, a dream, a need, an opportunity, the stars aligned and Lena took the leap to be an Entrepreneur. The building, One North, housed restaurants before like Just in Time and Juliette’s. It seemed like businesses came and went from that location, adding to her worries that maybe this town wasn’t ready to support another business. But it was, and Lena built up her loyal customers year after year with high quality food, drinks, coffee, and friendliness. It wasn’t easy, especially during covid, but she managed it, weathered the storm and really established the business as a regular meeting place in the local community. In 2021 the building she occupied was purchased and One North moved across the street to the Irwin house, 3 South Main St. The place was smaller, divided into pieces unlike the big rectangle she had been working in. The move required a lot of moving parts from remodel to how to fit her services into a small space. The galley kitchen barely fit the sink and all the other things a kitchen needed. She creatively looked to the surrounding community to get extra space. She sought creative solutions, turning to the surrounding community for additional space. Once again, One North opened its doors. Business streamed back in to enjoy the quaint hominess of the business, the great outdoor seating, the amazing food, and coffee options. Year over year One North earned its patronage with superior service and food. It captured people’s hearts as a great place to meet with friends, classes, and groups. In 2024 the original building was almost ready for One North. There were many things to be done to move back like purchasing new equipment and moving the operation over. The prospect was daunting. Following these changes, Ms. Eckstine sought a buyer who could maintain One North’s commitment to the local community, sourcing local products and serving as a welcoming gathering spot. She wanted someone committed to sourcing local products serving as a friendly coffee gathering spot. Ideally there would be someone who understood Mercersburg, knew the town and the local private school, knew the vendors and the region to continue the spirit of One North going forward. So in April of 2024, when three people, Doug Smith, Matt Pixler, and Todd McGuire approached her with interest she was intrigued. Here was an offer by three people who had lived in the community for over a decade, worked as teachers and coaches and salesmen, whose kids had played in the local teams, went to the local schools, rode horses, swam, sang, and played in the community. She knew they would continue carrying the torch of One North forward, keep the local roots, advance the meeting space and high quality food in a similar vein. On July 1st, 2024, Ms. Eckstine sold the business to them, stayed on to help them transition into business owners, and One North began a new chapter in its history. Even with new ownership, One North will remain deeply rooted in the community, honoring Ms. Eckstine’s vision as the region’s friendliest coffee shop. While the business may have a newer space, its hallmark of warm service and excellent coffee will continue, ensuring a bright future for this beloved institution.