Celebrating October Anniversaries: Our 7 Steps Program Helps Coffee Shops Thrive
January 23, 2025 (Published: October 22, 2024)
At Crimson Cup, we believe independent coffee shops are the heart of their communities, bringing people together over a shared love of great coffee. That’s why we’re passionate about helping them grow and thrive!
Through our 7 Steps to Success consulting program, we’ve partnered with local entrepreneurs to give them the tools and guidance they need to succeed. Each coffee shop anniversary marks not just another year in business, but a celebration of their hard work, dedication and growth.
This October, we’re excited to celebrate the anniversaries of 12 shops in five states that have blossomed thanks to our program. We couldn’t be more proud of how far they’ve come. Their success is our greatest reward, and we look forward to supporting them for years to come.
“It’s incredibly fulfilling to see these independent coffee shops grow,” said Greg Ubert, founder and president of Crimson Cup. “Through our 7 Steps program, we provide everything from business planning to barista training, marketing and more. Watching these owners turn their dreams into reality is why we do what we do.”
A Look at Some Big Coffee Shop Anniversaries
This month, some of our coffee shop customers are celebrating significant anniversaries. True North Coffee in Burlington, Massachusetts, is leading the way, celebrating 15 years in business on October 8.
Java Java in Johns Island, South Carolina, follows closely, celebrating 12 years of success on October 15, and Dell’s Homemade Ice Cream & Coffee in Powell, Ohio, marks its first decade on October 8.
Stonewall Coffee in Clarksburg, West Virginia, celebrates eight years on October 20. 1971 Grinders Coffee House in Ogden, Utah, and Crazy Llama Coffee in Webb City, Missouri, celebrate six years on October 5 and 12. Huntingburg Grind Coffee & Tea (formerly Kim’s Koffee) in Huntingburg, Indiana, and Hawthorn Tree Coffee in Carlinville, Illinois, both celebrate five years on October 4 and October 10.
Kahvi Coffee House in Cafe in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, hits four years on October 9, while Cup O’ Joy Coffee Barn in Edgerton, Ohio, marks three years on October 1.
Newer businesses, Sandstone Coffee in Amherst, Ohio, and Gateway Coffee Company LLC in Creve Coeur, Missouri, are both celebrating two years, with anniversaries on October 3 and October 14.
Milestones aren’t just about years in business; they’re about impact. These shops have made a name for themselves in their local communities thanks to their owners’ passion for great coffee and connection with customers.
Success Story: Sandstone Coffee House & Coffee in the Valley
One of our favorite success stories comes from Sean and Stephanie Miller, the proud owners of two coffee shops in Ohio: Coffee in the Valley in Valley City and Sandstone Coffee House in Amherst.
Stephanie, a former elementary school teacher, and her husband Sean, an accountant, never expected to own a coffee shop, let alone two. Their journey started in 2019 when they stumbled upon a building for sale in Valley City and joked about turning it into a coffee shop. A few months later, with the help of Crimson Cup’s 7 Steps to Success program, their “someday” dream turned into a reality.
“We knew nothing about making coffee or running a coffee shop before this,” Stephanie said. “Without Crimson Cup, we would have struggled getting started. They gave us the training and support we needed to open our doors and succeed.”
Their first shop, Coffee in the Valley, quickly became a community favorite. After three years of success, the Millers expanded to a second location—Sandstone Coffee House—in their hometown of Amherst, Ohio. The new shop, which opened in 2022, has allowed them to reconnect with their roots while continuing to provide top-notch coffee, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere.
“It’s good to come back to our roots,” Stephanie said. “At Sandstone, we’re offering many of the things that made Coffee in the Valley successful, like great coffee and a diverse menu, but with even more options like breakfast and lunch.”
Running two shops has had its challenges, from managing inventory to making time to be present at both locations, but the Millers have embraced the opportunities. Whether it’s hosting local events, displaying local artwork, or getting to know new customers, they’re excited about the impact they’re making.
“We’ve gotten to know so many amazing people,” Stephanie said. “And our customers love that the drinks at both shops taste the same – they know they can count on consistency, thanks to Crimson Cup’s training.”
Ready to Start Your Coffee Shop Journey?
Since 1991, we’ve helped over 300 entrepreneurs across 30+ states turn their coffee shop dreams into reality with our 7 Steps to Success program. From writing your coffee shop business plan to training your team and marketing your shop, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a coffee shop, there’s no better time to start. As Scott Fullerton, our 7 Steps sales leader, puts it, “We’ve helped hundreds of entrepreneurs turn their vision into reality, and we’d love to help you, too.”
Ready to get started? Contact Scott at sfullerton@crimsoncup.com or call 1-888-800-9224. We’re here to help you every step of the way!