Peppermint hot chocolate, a Sexy Arnold Palmer, the smell of fresh coffee beans roasting -- where am I? Talking with Domenic Salvemini as he and a co-worker were staying warm and gearing up for the next morning's rush of caffeine lovers at Empire Coffee & Tea Company.

An aspiring graphic designer, Domenic has worked at Empire Coffee & Tea Company since early 2010. A quaint little coffee shop at the corner 4th and Bloomfield, I couldn't imagine anything to complain about, that is until I asked him about his typical day. "Each day starts out the same. Usually it takes me 20 minutes to find a parking spot." We both laughed as he explains, "I don't live in Hoboken but I grew up visiting Hoboken. My dad works in Hoboken. I now work here. I've always been around Hoboken."

I asked him if he would consider moving to Hoboken. "Definitely. I'd love to one day get a place here." While chatting about what we'd like to see more of, Domenic shared that he'd love more cultural events. "I love film and music. Anything like that I would love to see more of in Hoboken."

A customer walks in during our interview. "Talking to Andy, huh?" the customer quizzes me with a smile. Confused, I look at Domenic for some clarification. "He's a regular who calls me Andy," Domenic jabs back. "He's the only one who does but somehow it stuck." I continue asking Domenic questions and the customer interrupts, again. "I'm kidding with you, Domenic is a good guy; he truly cares about his customers."

I learn about the crowd that flocks to Empire Coffee to sit and relax and just, "hang out." The diehard customers (like the one who jokes with Domenic) who come in sometimes two to three times a day, the stroller-moms who take a break from their walks, and the small business owners who come despite competitors. "A lot of our regulars are other small business owners." With a lively atmosphere, friendly staff and so much to look at, I can understand the appeal.

When I asked Domenic if anything out of the ordinary has happened to him while at work he told me about a couple of stray dogs that ended up at the coffee shop with no leashes. "We took them to a veterinarian and discovered that the owner had lost them during a rainstorm." Not quite sure how they ended up in front of the coffee shop, Domenic and a co-worker returned them to the owners who were extremely grateful.

While not at work, Domenic enjoys the nightlife in Hoboken. "DC's would have to be my favorite bar." His favorite drink? Anything brewed by Dogfish Head. Also a big fan of India on the Hudson, an uptown restaurant on Washington Street, its clear to see how Hoboken caters both to people who work here and want to have fun, too.

To stop in and visit Domenic or to learn more about Empire Coffee & Tea Company visit www.empirecoffeetea.com

Every week hMAG posts Faces articles featuring someone from the community because, after all, hMAG is all about the community.

Do you know someone we should interview for an upcoming article? Pitch your idea to editorial@hmag.com and we might include you or someone you know on hmag.com or an upcoming issue of the magazine!

All candidates MUST live or work in Hoboken and agree to have their picture posted.