We were impressed with Crimson Cup’s ethics and the support the company provides. We also liked the idea that we can run our own shop and not be a ‘cookie cutter’ franchise coffeehouse.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (PRWEB) October 03, 2019
Columbus coffee roaster Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea recently welcomed Mulebarn Coffee to the group of independent coffee shops, cafés and bakeries it supports in 37 states. Located at 13981 Highway 277 S. in Hawley, Texas, Mulebarn is one of over a dozen independent coffee shops expected to open in 2019 through Crimson Cup’s 7 Steps to Success coffee shop franchise alternative program. The shop held its grand opening July 30, 2019.
“We’re pleased to welcome Owners Patti and Vance Burrow to the Crimson Cup community,” said Founder and President Greg Ubert. “Helping entrepreneurs open unique independent coffee shops is a big part of what drives our growth as an award-winning coffee roaster and coffee shop franchise alternative.”
The Burrows decided to open a coffee shop after retiring from long careers in different industries. Patti Burrow had operated a daycare center for 30 years, while Vance Burrow worked as a diesel mechanic and mechanics supervisor.
“Patti enjoyed coffee and it seemed like a good business to get into,” Vance Burrow said. “Someone suggested to us that we purchase this lot and open a coffeehouse, and that’s what we did.”
An Internet search brought them to Crimson Cup and its 7 Steps to Success coffee shop franchise alternative program. Based on Ubert’s book, Seven Steps to Success in the Specialty Coffee Industry, the roaster’s 7 Steps program has helped hundreds of independent coffee shops in 37 states open and stay in business.
“We were impressed with Crimson Cup’s ethics and the support the company provides,” Vance Burrow said. “We also liked the idea that we can run our own shop and not be a ‘cookie cutter’ franchise coffeehouse.”
Patti Burrow said they found Step 5: Focus on Training, the most valuable in opening their coffee shop. “We love the hands-on training and ongoing support,” she said. “Friday check-in calls are our favorite part of the week!”
Mulebarn Coffee serves a full menu of hot, iced and frozen espresso drinks – including mochas, lattes and cappuccinos – as well as iced coffee and tea, cold-brewed coffee, hot chocolate, fruit smoothies and other custom drinks. An assortment of fresh baked goods including locally baked fried pies rounds out the menu.
Local java lovers have become big fans of the coffee, which is roasted by Crimson Cup. “We’ve received nothing but rave reviews.” Patti Burrow said. “The biggest thing is that we know we’re better than the largest national coffee chain, and we hear that every day.”
Crimson Cup coffee has been judged among the best in the nation. The roaster was named 2016 Macro Roaster of the Year by Roast magazine, the flagship publication of the specialty coffee industry. Its Ethiopian Kossa Kebena coffee won a 2017 Good Food Award and was a finalist for a 2019 Good Food Award. Crimson Cup coffees have also brought home trophies and medals from the America’s Best Espresso and Golden Bean North America roasting competitions.
True to its Texas roots, the Mulebarn Coffee interior offers a country vibe with a big helping of comfort. Guests can sink into soft sofas and oversized chairs to chat, study or play some of the shop’s assortment of board games. At least one guest has purchased coffee at the drive-thru on horseback.
The new shop has more than 50 positive reviews on Facebook. “The products are superb, the atmosphere country and peaceful,” one reviewer wrote. “Forget the big chain cold and impersonal coffee shops. Worth the drive to Mulebarn Coffee where you will be welcomed and treated like forever friends.”
Asked to give advice to entrepreneurs who are thinking about opening a coffee shop, Vance Burrow said, “Do your homework and make sure you get a good location, but do it!”
Patti Burrow concluded, “We’re having a lot of fun and have enjoyed the process!”
Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea
Columbus, Ohio coffee roaster Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea is the 2019 Golden Bean Champion for Small Franchise/Chain roaster and Roast magazine’s 2016 Macro Roaster of the Year. Since 1991, Crimson Cup has roasted sustainably sourced craft coffee in small batches. It sells coffee to consumers and distributes wholesale coffee beans.
Through its 7 Steps to Success coffee franchise alternative program, the company also teaches entrepreneurs to run successful coffee houses. By developing a coffee shop business plan, entrepreneurs gain insight into how much it costs to open a coffee shop.
Crimson Cup coffee is available through over 350 independent coffee houses, grocers, college and universities, restaurants and food service operations across 37 states, Guam and Bangladesh. The company also operates several Crimson Cup Coffee Houses. To learn more, visit crimsoncup.com, or follow the company on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.