#ThisIsAppalachia: Coffee Shops
Coffee Shops Build Community
Coffee shops can be important in Appalachian communities beyond their economic impact. For some, they are where one can easily find internet service. For others, it may be a place to rest and read a book. Some shops have open mics for local musicians or poetry slams. People meet and plan activities, including social change organizing. In other words, coffee shops can be safe and creative spaces.In a previous issue of #ThisIsAppalachia, we looked at the importance of independent bookstores in Central Appalachia. In this issue, we look at independent coffee shops and how they enrich our communities, often providing a unique place in small towns.“The best cafes tend to be centers of music, art, and ideas… They’re the best way to get to know an area because you don’t have to spend a lot of money, they’re filled with locals, and they’re rare in that they’re social centers that you can feel comfortable going to alone,” said Kris Howell, a building development manager.*Coffee shops can be a harbinger of renewal on the Main Streets of our small towns and even city neighborhoods. If you like coffee, consider skipping the chain stores occasionally and sampling a local brew.Greg Ubert, President of Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea in Ohio said, “Independent coffee shops take on the character of their communities and cater to the needs of community members… a great coffee shop becomes a hub for social interaction, and all kinds of great things can happen as a result of these interactions. People feel more connected and less stressed, friendships are formed and strengthened, community problems are solved, and business deals are struck.…While some of those ideas generated are more personal or private, others are plans for the next big thing: art shows, festivals, new business ventures, retail operations and civic infrastructure. While a high-quality caffeinated drink is certainly important to each customer, the role your local neighborhood coffee shop plays in improving your entire neighborhood can go far above and beyond what’s served in a single cup.”*There are many new coffee shops that have opened in our region as well as the long-established places . We can feature only a sample.Stone Tower Brews, Buckhannon, West Virginia: Katie Kuba writing in My Buckhannon: “Today, Stone Tower Brews coffee shop is an ideal meeting location, where residents rendezvous with their friends while grabbing white chocolate strawberry mocha. For decades, however, G.C. Murphy & Co. served as a five-and-dime store and central meeting place.”The Stone Tower Brews website enthusiastically extends a welcome: “We don’t just drink our coffee on this concrete bar top, we poured the concrete with our own hands – just like we roast our coffee with our own hands at Stone Tower Joe. We love adventure and live in the best state for it. We love West Virginia artists and want our shop to be a home for creativity and connecting. We love West Virginia coffee-drinkers, and string-pickers, and craft beer sippers, and life-livers, and above all, we love people – and can’t wait to share what we do with you.Hot Cup Coffee, Logan, West Virginia: “As Hot Cup owner Michael Cline explained, ‘The space we reside in served as many things over the decades, including a drug store and a gun-safe shop. Before I even opened Hot Cup a decade ago in October 2011, I knew I wanted it to be a venue for all local art -- painting, music, comedy, literature, poetry... all of it.’” Hot Cup Coffee informs us that “we pride ourselves as a progressive safe space for people of every religion, non-religion, or sexual preference, or race.” (Hot Cup is our cover photo)Jerry Run Summer Theater Coffee Shop, Cleveland, West Virginia: In a town of 95 people, a coffee shop provides a beautiful homemade theater. West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s News wrote “the venue was a Field of Dreams moment thanks to co-owners Dusty and Renee Anderson.” Renee described it as “built on a shoestring budget with the vision of it being a space for live music. We opened in 2003, but it took Dusty over seven years to complete the project, from designing the space on paper, building a model, clearing the land, laying the foundation, framing, building and raises trusses, roofing and finishing/furnishing the interior.‘The thing that separates us [from traditional music venues] is that, although our venue is a coffee shop, it’s deceptively large inside. We allow bands to bring their whole rig instead of requesting a stripped-down acoustic version. So gigs can range from people sitting and listening to a small acoustic act to a standing room-only, full-on rock gig.’” (Thank you to West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s 'If You Build It, They Will Rock': A Guide to DIY Venues in West Virginia by Nathan Thomas)
The Wild Bean, Lewisburg, West Virginia: Looking through the front windows you might see people eating, drinking, chatting, playing chess, reading a newspaper, using a laptop or any number of activities. Once you enter the doors you are greeted with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods from the kitchen. Serving fresh roasted organic coffees, espresso, milk shakes, smoothies, baked goods, and vegetarian cuisine. Free wireless internet and computer terminals are available.Hazard Coffee Company, Hazard, Kentucky: strongly supports local small business and farmers. “We proudly serve Windy Hills coffee & honey as well as locally sourced pastries from Pantry Shelf! Hazard Coffee Company merchandise is created by other local KY businesses. T-shirts are made by Appalachian Apparel and mugs are crafted by Tricia Cahoon. Come and experience the joys of Eastern Kentucky.”Cumberland River Coffee, Williamsburg, Kentucky: Online comments: “Friendly, clean and great atmosphere. Oh yes and some fantastic cold brews and frappuccino, coffee, muffins and large cookSky 37, Ashland, Kentucky: Customer comments: “"Fantastic coffee and incredibly friendly service.” "Great place for Brazilian-style coffee and charming atmosphere!TipTop, Elkins, West Virginia: “Overall people deserve and appreciate good coffee and a place in the community where they can feel comfortable and welcome no matter who they are,” said TipTop Co-Owner Cade Archuleta in Coffee News. “We not only want to create a space for the community, but we also place the utmost importance on introducing and educating people about the specialty coffee industry.”Lincoln Road Coffee Lounge, Norton, Virginia: “The lounge is nestled in a beautiful spot in Downtown Norton adjacent to Veteran’s Park. We designed the space to summon relaxation and inspire creativity. Stop in to enjoy some reading, connect with a friend, or write the next hit TV sitcom. When you’re here our team is eager to answer questions, recommend drinks, and most importantly become friends. On the go? Take advantage of our curbside pick-up option when ordering ahead online. Looking forward to seeing you soon!”The Well Coffee Shop, Tazewell, Virginia: “ABOUT US/When Mike & Venus established the Well in June 2017, no one could have anticipated how deeply important maintaining connection within a community would be....until we found ourselves in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic. The Well was created FOR the community and is alive BECAUSE of the support of this very special place!”Wolf Hills Coffee Shop, Abingdon, Virginia: The coffee is delicious, the staff are courteous and helpful, and the decor is a perfect mixture of a classic city coffee shop and southwest Virginia."Likewise, Knoxville, Tennessee: Likewise is a neighbor to our Knoxville office. Their website introduces them: “Here at Likewise we aim to be a neighborhood meeting space for businesses, friends, and family. People can come and see all the awesome things about East Knoxville that they may have missed before previously visiting the area. All proceeds go towards our ministry, Raising a Voice, which fights against human trafficking on a local and global platform.”South Press, Knoxville, Tennessee: South Press was launched by Joselyn Fish. The University of Tennessee’s Phoenix described the coffee shop under the title “South Press Welcomes Artists, Coffee Lovers, and the Queer Community” as a “sizable 2500 square foot space will accommodate more patrons, performances, artist showcases... There is an additional 300 square foot room that Fish hopes to set aside for social justice organization and community classes. ‘You start your dream where you can afford, and you go from there,’ she reflects. ‘Who expects opening a business in the middle of the pandemic, outgrowing your space, and needing more?’ The success of South Press demonstrates the profound impact an inclusive space can have on a community, particularly when someone proves its possibility and blazes the trail. In her new space, Fish aims to maintain the celebration of art, encouragement of camaraderie, and freedom of expression that exists within her coffee shop.”As the Community Coffee company says, “Coffee connects us.”If you have a place that gives your community a space to meet, communicate and hope, share it with us here.*Quotes from Kris Howell and Greg Ubert are from the article “The Important Role of Coffee Shops in Neighborhood Development” by Walker Evans, Columbus Underground, March 17, 2013
Contact Walter Davis, walter@appalachiancommunityfund.org if you have a positive story about people, places, and things in Central Appalachia.
