Success Story: The Coffee Shelf in Chapin, South Carolina
June 4, 2023 (Published: May 25, 2016)
We’re excited to welcome The Coffee Shelf in Chapin, South Carolina! The shop at 130 Amicks Ferry Rd, Chapin, South Carolina combines books and specialty java.
“I wanted to create a warm and relaxing setting for our community while combining my twin passion for books and coffee,” said Founder Jerry Caldwell.
Customers can page through the latest bestsellers, cookbooks and comic books while sipping their favorite beverage. The shop serves hot, iced and frozen espresso-based drinks, including lattes, mochas and cappuccinos. Fresh-baked muffins, pastries and cookies round out the menu.
Learning How to Open a Coffee Shop
Jerry retired from the U.S. Marine Corps after 20 years as helicopter pilot. After working as an aircraft industry salesperson, he decided to take on the challenge of becoming his own boss.
He turned to Crimson Cup and our 7 Steps to Success startup program to learn how to open his own independent coffee shop.
Using guidelines from Greg Ubert’s book, Seven Steps to Success in the Specialty Coffee Industry, this program provides everything entrepreneurs need to open and manage independent coffee houses.
Jerry said he chose Crimson Cup because of our outstanding coffee and Friend2Farmer direct trade program, which supports small coffee farmers and their communities by paying a higher-than-market price for their coffee and investing in education and other initiatives. He plans to add brew bar features so that the shop can offer hand-poured craft drinks from around the world.
In the weeks since The Coffee Shelf first opened its doors in April, it has become a fixture in the local community.
“I want this to be a place where people go and remember they’ve been here,” Jerry said.
An open seating area with plenty of chairs invites customers to sit and enjoy their favorite books and beverages.
The Coffee Shelf also has space for book clubs and book-signing events. Jerry plans to hold poetry slams and music nights.
Congrats to Jerry and his team for a successful opening. We look forward to hearing great things about your progress!
Visit The Coffee Shelf in Chapin, South Carolina!
Jerry Caldwell invites everyone in Chapin, Lake Murray and Lexington County to visit. The shop at 130 Amicks Ferry Rd A-2 is open 7 days a week.
For news about book signings, menu updates and more, follow the shop’s Facebook page.