In 2024, Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea helped 15 entrepreneurs in 11 states achieve their dreams of owning independent coffee shops. The new and expanded businesses joined hundreds of shops in 37 states that receive award-winning coffee, industry-leading coffee shop supplies, hands-on training and ongoing business support from the Ohio coffee roaster.
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Fifteen new independent coffee shops in 11 states opened in 2024 through the 7 Steps to Success consulting program from award-winning coffee roaster Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea.
"We're thrilled to help these coffee shop owners bring new shops to life and expand upon their dreams," said Founder and President Greg Ubert. "Through our 7 Steps to Success program, we provide everything entrepreneurs need to open and operate successful independent coffee shops. We can't wait to help them grow their businesses and thrive!"
Based on Ubert's book "Seven Steps to Success: A Common-sense Guide to Succeed in Specialty Coffee," the 7 Steps program equips new coffee shop owners with the skills to run successful operations. Guided by experienced coffee shop startup experts, the program helps entrepreneurs:
- Find a terrific location
- Calculate startup costs
- Write a coffee shop business plan
- Design and lay coffee shops for maximum efficiency
- Source high-quality coffee, coffee shop equipment and supplies
- Hire and train skilled baristas
- Market their shops to reach customers
- Manage all aspects of coffee shop operations
Ubert's book forms the centerpiece of the company's Coffee Shop Startup Kit, which has helped open over 300 independent coffee shops across 37 states.
Spotlight on Success: Virgil's Coffeehouse & Creamery
Virgil's Coffee House & Creamery opened in April 2024 in a lovingly restored Victorian home in Louisville, Ohio. Co-founded by Jeff Rich, Chery Rich and Jordan Parisi, the family-owned coffee shop serves specialty coffee alongside handcrafted ice cream in a welcoming environment steeped in history.
"We chose Crimson Cup for their exceptional quality, impressive track record and unwavering commitment to small, family-owned coffee shops," said co-founder Jordan Parisi. "What truly sets them apart is their deep respect for the entire coffee growing and roasting process, which ensures every cup tells a story of care and quality."
The 7 Steps to Success program provided hands-on training and guidance, helping the Virgil's team – who had little experience in coffee or ice cream – turn their vision into reality. The shop has become a local favorite, earning rave reviews for its coffee, ice cream, and cozy atmosphere.
The 15 coffee shops that opened in 2024 include:
- 2Bs Coffee Company – Madill, Okla. (Aug.)
- Bee Happy Coffee – Cadiz, Ky. (Sept.)
- Branded Coffee Co. LLC – Peralta, N.M. (March)
- Conrad Coffee Cup, LLC – Conrad, Iowa (Sept.)
- Cuppa Sunshine Coffee and Tea LLC – White Bluff, Tenn. (March)
- Cups Of Joy – Wilson, N.C. (June)
- French Express Coffee House – Granite Quarry N.C. (Sept,)
- Iron Wolf Coffee House – Pauls Valley, Okla. (Nov.)
- Lock No. 4 Coffee – McConnelsville, Ohio (March)
- Lock No. 4 Coffee – Belpre, Ohio (Dec.)
- Loose Goose Coffee Co. Kiosk – Terra Haute Ind. (Oct.)
- SheBrews Coffee Trailer – Columbus, Kan. (Nov.)
- Spire Coffee House – Main Street – Toms River N.J. (Dec.)
- Timber Creek Coffee At The Market – Lebanon Pa. (Nov.)
- Virgil's Coffeehouse & Creamery – Louisville, Ohio (March)
The shops are as individual as their owners, ranging from coffee drive-thrus and walk-up windows inside existing businesses to traditional full-service shops with indoor and outdoor seating.
Six owners who had opened their first shops through the 7 Steps program celebrated the expansion of their businesses, adding a second, third or fourth location in 2024:
- Cups Of Joy in Wilson, N.C., opened a second location at nearby Wilson Medical Center.
- French Express Coffee House opened a third location in Granite Quarry, N.C.
- Lock No. 4 Coffee in Beverly, Ohio, added a third shop in McConnelsville, Ohio and a fourth shop in Belpre, Ohio.
- Loose Goose Coffee Co. added a Kiosk as its second location in Terra Haute, Ind.
- Spire Coffee House opened a second location on Main Street in Toms River, N.J.
- Timber Creek Coffee At The Market opened as a second location in Lebanon Pa.
Most owners had little or no experience in specialty coffee. Some said they would not have been able to open without Crimson Cup's help.
In addition to coffee roasting and coffee business consulting, the company operates several Crimson Cup and CRIMSON Coffee Houses. These company-owned shops allow the team to test new coffees, recipes and marketing strategies – insights they pass on to their customers.
"As an award-winning coffee roaster that owns and manages retail coffee shops ourselves, we understand what it takes to create a thriving coffee business," Ubert said. "We're passionate about teaching and coaching entrepreneurs about the world of specialty coffee."
Crimson Cup's 7 Steps Consulting Team guides new owners through every step of the process – from scouting a profitable location and planning a menu to comprehensive training and marketing support.
"If you've ever dreamed of opening a coffeehouse, we're here to help," said 7 Steps Sales Leader Scott Fullerton. "We've guided hundreds of entrepreneurs from dreaming about a coffee shop to opening their doors. Chances are, we can help you too!"
Ready to turn your coffee shop dream into a reality? Contact Crimson Cup today to get started! Reach out to Scott Fullerton at [email protected] or call 1.888.800.9224.
About Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea
Founded in 1991, Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea is a leader in the specialty coffee industry, recognized for award-winning quality and commitment to sustainability. The company's accolades include multiple Good Food Awards, the 2019 Golden Bean Champion for Small Franchise/Chain Roaster and Roast magazine's 2016 Macro Roaster of the Year.
Through its Friend2Farmer initiatives, Crimson Cup supports coffee-growing communities with sustainable, mutually beneficial partnerships. Its 7 Steps to Success program empowers entrepreneurs to open independent coffee shops by providing a detailed coffee shop business plan template, hands-on training, award-winning coffee and ongoing consulting.
Crimson Cup coffee is served in over 700 independent coffeehouses, grocers, universities, restaurants, and food service locations across 36 states and Bangladesh. The company also operates its own Crimson Cup and CRIMSON coffeehouses in Ohio. To learn more, visit crimsoncup.com.
Media Contact
Cheryl Claypoole, Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea, 6143615023, [email protected], https://www.crimsoncup.com
SOURCE Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea
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