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Celebrating Independent Coffee Shops: August Anniversaries by Crimson Cup

Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea is taking this August to celebrate 13 remarkable independent coffee shops across 11 states that are marking significant anniversaries, ranging from two to an impressive 21 years. This initiative not only highlights the longevity of these businesses but also underscores the journey of growth they have taken with the assistance of Crimson Cup's innovative consulting program known as the 7 Steps to Success.

Through this program, Crimson Cup provides aspiring coffee entrepreneurs with the tools and guidance they need to launch and maintain their independent establishments. To date, they have facilitated the opening of over 300 cafes in 37 states, reflecting a substantial impact on the coffee community.

Honoring 13 Local Gems

This month, coffee shops around the nation are celebrating milestones, which not only demonstrate their commitment to coffee excellence but also their dedication to the communities they serve. The following shops are in the spotlight this August:

• - Coffee Expressions, Springfield, Ohio – 21 years (opened Aug. 9, 2004)
• - Edelweiss Coffee Shop Inc., Iron Mountain, Michigan – 21 years (opened Aug. 10, 2004)
• - Ryders Cup of Western New York, Lakewood, New York – 18 years (opened Aug. 7, 2007)
• - Metropolitan Coffee, Hutchinson, Kansas – 17 years (opened Aug. 22, 2008)
• - Cuppa Sunshine Coffee and Tea LLC, Dickson, Tennessee – 12 years (opened Aug. 5, 2013)
• - Love-A-Latte, Eldora, Iowa – 11 years (opened Aug. 15, 2014)
• - Buckin' Brew LLC, Casper, Wyoming – 8 years (opened Aug. 4, 2017)
• - The Green Bean Coffee House, Altoona, Pennsylvania – 8 years (opened Aug. 11, 2017)
• - Metropolitan Coffee Metro To Go, Hutchinson, Kansas – 7 years (opened Aug. 13, 2018)
• - Community United Methodist Church, Irwin, Pennsylvania – 6 years (opened Aug. 5, 2019)
• - Winston's Coffee Bar, Columbus, Ohio – 5 years (opened Aug. 21, 2020)
• - Beansweet Coffee, Goldsboro, North Carolina – 3 years (opened Aug. 26, 2022)
• - 2Bs Coffee Company, Madill, Oklahoma – 1 year (opened Aug. 30, 2024)

Among these, two coffee shops, Coffee Expressions and Edelweiss Coffee, proudly celebrate 21 successful years. A feat notably impressive in the competitive food and beverage industry.

Spotlight: Coffee Expressions

Founded in 2004 by Ken and Judy Steele, Coffee Expressions has become a community fixture in Springfield. Their shop has thrived thanks to a warm, inviting atmosphere and a menu that champions creativity. Managed by their son and daughter-in-law, Kenny and Jessica Steele, the shop emphasizes its commitment to making every customer feel like family. Jessica expresses, "We've built strong relationships with our customers, and we're proud to be part of the Springfield community."

The support of the 7 Steps to Success program has been crucial for the Steeles. Ken noted, "Take the leap of faith with Crimson Cup; this is the way to go for independent coffee shop owners who want high-quality products and support to grow."

Honoring Edelweiss Coffee

Similarly, Edelweiss Coffee in Iron Mountain, Michigan, founded by Jenni and Tom Wender in 2004, is also celebrating 21 years. Known for its drive-thru service, the shop transitioned ownership to their son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Christie Lofholm, allowing the family legacy to continue.

Jenni reflects on their journey, stating, "With Crimson Cup’s guidance, we built our family business on doing things the right way for the right reasons. Customers may stop by for just a moment, but the team makes sure it’s the best moment of their day."

Empowering Coffee Entrepreneurs

The 7 Steps to Success consulting program, which is detailed in founder Greg Ubert’s book, _Seven Steps to Success: A Common-sense Guide to Succeed in Specialty Coffee_, has proven to be a roadmap for countless coffee entrepreneurs seeking to carve their niche in the industry. Scott Fullerton, the 7 Steps Sales Leader, is available for those aspiring to start or expand their coffee business.

About Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea

Founded in 1991, Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea stands out as a leader in the specialty coffee sector, recognized for its award-winning quality and sustainability efforts. This includes various accolades, such as Good Food Awards and the prestigious 2025 Golden Bean World Series Championship. The company’s Friend2Farmer® initiatives promote sustainable practices in coffee-growing communities, further enriching the coffee culture.

For more information on how to join the thriving network of independent coffee shops supported by Crimson Cup, visit crimsoncup.com.