A 20-Year Birthday Bash for Coffee Expressions

Coffee Expressions, a popular independent coffee shop in Springfield, Ohio, celebrated its 20th anniversary with a three-day Birthday Bash! From August 9 to 11, the event featured a 20 percent discount on all drinks, local food trucks and vendors, live music and activities. Coffee Expressions raised $1,800 through a fundraiser for the Clark County Senior Citizens Task Force.

Founded by Ken and Judy Steele, Coffee Expressions is now managed by their son Kenny Steele and his wife, Jessica. Over the years, It has become a community staple known for its friendly atmosphere, wide variety of drinks, and commitment to giving back.

A Leap of Faith with Crimson Cup

After two decades in the coffee business, Ken reflected on the journey and the impact of working with Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea. “Take the leap of faith with Crimson Cup,” Ken said. “This is the way to go for independent coffee shop owners who want to run their shop with high-quality products and get help to grow.”

Ken and Judy credit Crimson Cup’s 7 Steps to Success program for helping them get started back in 2004. “It’s stressful as a new owner,” Ken said. “The 7 Steps program gave us the support and guidance we needed during those early stages.”

Crimson Cup Founder and President Greg Ubert praised the Steele family for their dedication and hard work. “It’s been an honor to support Ken, Judy, Kenny and Jessica over the past two decades,” Greg said. “Their focus on quality and community sets their shop apart, and we look forward to many more years of working together.”

Crimson Cup has helped over 300 independent coffee shops across 30 states thrive through its 7 Steps to Success consulting program based on Greg’s book, Seven Steps to Success: A Common-Sense Guide to Succeed in Specialty Coffee.

“We guide entrepreneurs with little or no coffee experience to create thriving shops that serve their communities,” Greg explained. “From choosing the right location to writing a solid coffee shop business plan to training staff and perfecting the menu, Crimson Cup is there every step of the way.”

A Family Business with Strong Community Roots

Since opening, Coffee Expressions has built a loyal following thanks to its excellent customer service, creative drink menu, and strong community connections. The shop has supported local sports teams, hosted fundraisers, and partnered with area businesses, making it an integral part of the Springfield community.

“We love our community and give back every chance we get,” Jessica said. That dedication to service extends to the shop’s atmosphere as well. “We want everyone to feel welcome, like they’re part of the family,” she added.

To ensure a consistent experience, the Steeles emphasize training for their baristas. “Every customer should have the same high-quality experience, no matter who is working,” Jessica said.

Customers have certainly taken notice. Coffee Expressions boasts over 700 five-star Google reviews, with many raving about the quality of the drinks. “Our customers can taste the difference in the way Crimson Cup roasts their beans,” Kenny said. “Armando’s blend is a big favorite—it’s smooth and pairs well with any drink.”

With more than 50 specialty drinks on the menu, Coffee Expressions continues to innovate, encouraging customers to create their own flavor combinations.

Looking Ahead

As they celebrate 20 years in business, the Steele family is proud of what they’ve built. “The best part of owning a coffee shop is the relationships we’ve developed with our customers and community,” Kenny said. “We’ve been in the same location since we opened, and we’ve worked hard to create a place where people feel welcome.”

For aspiring coffee shop owners, Ken has some advice: “Make sure you have a full business plan and financial plan before jumping in. Check traffic in the area—spending time counting cars helped us pick the right spot, and it made a huge difference.”

And for those looking to partner with Crimson Cup, Ken couldn’t recommend it enough. “The Crimson Cup team is so helpful. They even offer classes to train your baristas to the level of quality your shop wants.”

With two decades of success behind them, the Steeles are excited about the future. “We have a team we’re proud of, and we’re looking forward to continuing to serve the Springfield community,” Jessica said. “Our focus is the same—great coffee, great service, and a great customer experience.”

If you’re in Springfield, be sure to stop by Coffee Expressions at 1111 N. Plum St., Suite 1, open seven days a week. You’ll experience great coffee and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that keeps customers coming back year after year.