THOMASTON — “I think it’s the first time it’s not a bank.”

So spoke Sean Beaudry, of the Highlands Coffee House at 189 Main Street in Thomaston. Sean and wife Tracey opened the establishment May 7, 2012. The coffee house serves breakfast and lunch seven days a week opening at 6:30 a.m. except Sundays, which is 8 a.m.

The first thing to catch your eye when you enter is the large bank vault with the open door in the center of the room.

“We have a small table and chairs in there,” said Sean. "It’s great for small meetings, but we’re thinking of turning it into a gift shop. Over Christmas we had Santa in there.”

The vault is one of three lounge areas in the café coffee house. With comfortable seating in the front and back of the house and tables in between there are plenty of spaces to sit and be comfortable with friends, business associates, or just  enjoy a hot bowl of soup and a sandwich for lunch.

And of course there is coffee, lots and lots of coffee. Any flavor, or type. You might like. "S'More Latte." Ghirardelli chocolate, toasted marshmallow flavoring, topped with whipped cream, graham cracker and mini marshmallows. But, then maybe you’d like a plain cup of Joe. No problem at the Highland Coffee House.

Tracey said they had the idea and then the space became available.

“We live in Thomaston; our kids go to school here," she said. "It was just one of those ideas that help to bring people together. There was a need for it here."

Sean and Tracey have lived on the Midcoast for 11 years and residents of Thomaston for three. They have two daughters, eight and six years old.

“We haven’t put them to work here, but they are definitely in training,” said Tracey. “They are very much a part of it. They need a couple of more years before we can turn them loose in here.”

I asked Sean what it was like living and working in Thomaston.

“It’s a tight-knit community," he said. "From the feedback we’ve been getting this is what the community needed and wanted. Thomaston wants to expand and keep that small town feel. I think helping develop any Main Street in Maine is a good idea right now."

 Tracey echoed those sentiments.

“Everyone has their own niche," she said. "There’s really no competition between businesses. It’s a great community. We love it.”

Sean said they have a rotating art wall that features a different artists work every month. Thursday night is open mic night, where local musicians can perform. Sean said they are thinking about an open mic event for juniors.

“I think there are a lot of younger adults who would like to have a place where they can perform, as well.”

Sean and Tracey are happy with the way the coffee house has been received.

“So far, so good,” said Sean. "We had a good summer crowd and it has stayed strong with locals for the winter season.”