Angie’s Sugar Buzz Bakery in Sandwich, Illinois Adds Our Award-winning Specialty Coffee

At Angie’s Sugar Buzz Bakery, owner Angie Davis aims to serve the best donuts, cakes, muffins, cookies and other baked goods in Sandwich, Illinois.

And now, the best coffee.

“I always wanted to do a coffee shop like Central Perk from Friends that would bring our local community together over coffee,” she said.

“There’s nothing better than a conversation over a sweet treat and a terrific cup of coffee!”

After years of managing her aunt’s gas station, she bought the building and transformed it into a bakery café in 2014.

A Referral Leads to a Better Coffee Partner

But, while Angie knows baking, she didn’t understand specialty coffee. After her first coffee supplier failed to help grow the business, she began looking for a better solution.

“I needed a coffee partner who would hold my hands and walk me through the process,” she said.

A referral led her to Crimson Cup. “Carol Laube, my morning baker, mentioned that her cousin Penny  James, who owns Penny’s Perks Coffee House in Dowell, opened her coffee shop with your company.”

Learning to Run a Coffee Shop

After calling Crimson Cup, Angie began learning how to open a coffee shop.

“I’m very grateful it was not a franchise situation,” she said. “Crimson Cup has far exceeded my expectations.”

She began the process by talking with 7 Steps Sales Leader Scott Fullerton. Next, she read “Seven Steps to Success: a Commonsense Guide to Succeed in Specialty Coffee” by Founder and President Greg Ubert.

Greg’s book forms the foundation of our 7 Steps program. Over 150 entrepreneurs in 30 states have used this proven system to start unique independent coffee shops in their local communities.

A Proven Approach to Coffee Shop Success

Even during the 2020 pandemic, we helped 19 entrepreneurs open new and prospering coffee shops.

From writing a strong coffee shop business plan to hands-on barista training and much more, our 7 Steps team guides new coffee shop owners from initial concept through opening day and beyond.

Upping the Coffee Game at Angie’s Sugar Buzz Bakery

Angie said she found our education and customer service instrumental in upping her coffee game at Angie’s Sugar Buzz.

“I expected your team would help with a few things – maybe drop off supplies, make a few drinks and be on their way.

“Instead, I was blown away by the depth of information we received during training,” she said. “I learned so much about coffee, the farmers, and the way they source their products.  

“I love that it’s a small company,” she added. “It feels like two families joining forces.”

Praise for Our Hands On Training

Angie found Step 5: Focus on Training most valuable. “I had no idea how much I didn’t know about coffee,” she said. 

“I could have found cheaper equipment and products, but Crimson Cup has already found what works and what doesn’t – saving me from making mistakes through trial and error.”

The program includes hands-on training on-site at the customer’s coffee shop. A 7 Steps trainer with extensive coffee shop experience shows the owner and baristas how to prepare drinks using their equipment.

The trainer stays onsite for a full week before the shop’s opening, and returns for grand opening celebrations.

“I love that we’re doing a grand opening together and they’re helping me work through any kinks,” Angie said. 

Crimson Cup Coffee Draws Repeat Customers

Though the grand opening won’t happen until March 16, Angie is already receiving positive feedback on the coffee, roasted by Crimson Cup.

Our coffee has won several national coffee awards – including a 2020 Good Food Award, which recognizes the best tasting, most responsibly sourced coffees in the nation.

“We already have repeat customers, and people who see the espresso equipment on the counter are spreading the word fast,” she said.

Angie’s Advice to New Coffee Shop Owners

Asked what advice she has for those who are considering opening a coffee shop – or adding coffee to their existing bakery or café – Angie said, “Definitely go with Crimson Cup. Go Big or Go Home!”

She said working with an established company with a proven, pre-built system has made growing her coffee business much easier.

“Crimson Cup helps with everything from recipes to equipment maintenance,” she said. “Just as important, they develop a close relationship with customers so we can work through any issues over the phone.

“The referral from Carol’s cousin Penny was huge because it proved Crimson Cup partners with their customers for the long term,” she concluded.

Visit Angie’s Sugar Buzz Bakery

Angie’s Sugar Buzz is open seven days a week at 1004 E. Church Street in Sandwich, Illinois.

Regular hours are 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Weekend hours are 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. To keep up with events and announcements, follow the store’s Facebook Page.