Welcome to George’s Coffee @121 in Melissa, Texas

When Joff and Gail Bentley built a strip mall in Melissa, Texas, as an investment, they had no plans to open George’s Coffee @121.

Joff works as an electrical engineer at Texas Instruments, and Gail as a radiologist, so they had no desire to quit their day jobs. Still, they wanted an anchor store to attract other tenants.

“In talking to some people who own coffee shops, we realized how popular they are,” Joff said.

Following the 7 Steps to Coffee Shop Success

A web search on “how to open a coffee shop” led them to our website, where they ordered Seven Steps to Success: a Common-sense Guide to Succeed in Specialty Coffee, by Founder and President Greg Ubert.

After reading the book, the couple signed up for our 7 Steps to Success coffee shop startup program. This proven system turns entrepreneurs with little or no coffee experience into owners of thriving coffee shops.

Over 300 entrepreneurs in 30 states have followed the 7 Steps to open and run profitable coffee businesses serving their local communities.

“We’re excited to welcome Joff and Gail as 7 Steps customers,” Greg said.

“Helping entrepreneurs create independent coffee shops is part of The Ripple Effect, a focus on good that spreads from our actions to small businesses and communities around the world.”

Working with Experienced Coffee Shop Startup Consultants

Our coffee shop startup consultants guided the couple step by step, from writing their coffee shop business plan to choosing equipment, hiring and training employees and more.

7 Steps Trainer and Project Manager Steve Bayless traveled to Texas the week before the shop opened.

There, he taught the Bentleys, Manager Derek Horne and their baristas to prepare drinks and run the new shop, staying through opening day to ensure everything ran well.

“Without Crimson Cup, we would have had no way of doing this,” Gail said. “It didn’t seem like there were resources like this anywhere else.”

A One-stop Shop for Independent Coffee Shops

Crimson Cup supplies award-winning coffee, coffee business expertise and industry leading coffee shop supplies.

“Everything is set up, from ordering supplies to having the right design, equipment and procedures,” Gail said.

“If I were doing this independently, there would be so many questions about where to find supplies and how it would all work together.”

She advised other prospective coffee shop owners to consider Crimson Cup. “It would be really hard to do this on your own, even as an experienced barista. You’ll be surprised at how much knowledge Crimson Cup brings to the table.”

George’s Coffee @121 Carries on a Family Legacy

George’s Coffee takes its name from Gail’s father, a small business owner who inspired her entrepreneurial spirit, and his namesake, the couple’s son, George.

Inside the shop, guest enjoy a full menu of hot, cold and iced espresso-based drinks in an elegant atmosphere with plenty of seating. A drive-thru caters to coffee lovers on the go.

In its first few days, the shop won an enthusiastic response from new customers. Several gave thumbs up to the signature drink, George’s Mocha, which melds white chocolate with espresso and a caramel drizzle.

“First time trying George’s and so happy that I tried,” wrote one Facebook reviewer. “I had the frozen mocha caramel and instantly became my favorite. I see this becoming my everyday morning routine.”

The coffee, roasted by Crimson Cup, ranks among the best in the nation. Among other honors, our coffee 2020 and 2017 Good Food Awards, which recognize the country’s best-tasting and most sustainably sourced coffees.

Visit George’s Coffee @121

The Bentleys invite everyone in Collin County and beyond to visit George’s Coffee. The new shop is open seven days a week at 1280 Sam Rayburn Highway.

“We’re here, we’re open, and we want everyone to know we have the best coffee in Melissa, Texas!” Joff said. Follow the shop’s Facebook page for news about the October 19 grand opening and other updates.