A new Scranton mural sparked a connection between the city and a Native American business.
Because the mural has a Native American theme, organizers invited Old Man John’s Coffee and Honey House to make the refreshments for the Aug. 1 dedication.
The coffee shop opened in the spring at 63 Main St., Luzerne, where owner Lakota Maglioli also sells honey from her own hives.
Maglioli believes her business is the only Native American-owned eatery in the region. She is from the Diné community, which is also known as the Navajo. Growing up, she spent time with her grandmother at a reservation in Arizona.
“We are really excited to be part” of the event, Maglioli said. The snacks will have Native American touches. Domestic Goddess Goods, which is helping out, is using Maglioli’s mother’s recipe for fry bread, a traditional fried dough. The blue corn scones served at the coffee shop will be glazed with honey. Maglioli is bringing lemonade made with prickly pear. Other items are also on the menu.
Lakota Maglioli, owner of Old Man John’s Coffee and Honey House, will supply the refreshments at Friday’s mural dedication celebration.
(Lakota Maglioli)
The Lenape Mural on the Brixx Building on Washington Ave. in Scranton on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRPAHER)
Friday’s celebration is at 5 p.m. at the mural site. “Remembrance and Continuance: The Lenape Story in Scranton” is on the Brixx Building, 130 N. Washington Ave.
Old Man John’s Coffee and Honey House was an obvious choice, said Maureen McGuigan, director of the Lackawanna County Department of Arts and Culture.
“This is a moment of healing and friendship and bringing different cultures together, so it just makes sense,” she said.
But McGuigan also noted that Maglioli and mural artist Ben Scott Miller come from different tribes, and that Native American communities are not a monolith. Miller is Lenape. A Spanish artist also worked on the mural.
Old Man John’s Coffee and Honey House has an Italian influence. Mark Maglioli, the owner’s husband, is Italian American. They buy cannoli from New York City. On Saturdays in August, the shop is offering affogato, a dessert made by pouring espresso over ice cream. There is a matcha version.
The store’s website is oldmanjohnsapiary.com, but most of the coffee shop information is on social media.
Old Man John’s Coffee & Honey House in Luzerne on Friday, July 25, 2025. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Annabella Piczon prepares a drink at Old Man John’s Coffee & Honey House in Luzerne on Friday, July 25, 2025. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Old Man John’s Coffee & Honey House in Luzerne on Friday, July 25, 2025. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)