New Beginnings in Canton, Georgia
Stitch Coffee has officially opened its doors at 135 Reinhardt College Parkway, designing a space that goes beyond just serving coffee. Launched on April 22, 2025, the café welcomed local coffee enthusiasts with a grand opening celebration where all regular-sized drinks were just $1. This initiative reflects the owners' commitment to making quality beverages accessible to everyone in the community.
Dave and Geralyn Hickey, the entrepreneurial duo behind Stitch Coffee, have made significant strides to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere that resonates with the local populace. Drawn to Canton from New Jersey more than two years ago, the Hickeys had a vision of being closer to their daughters, who play an active role in the shop's operations. This family-oriented business model emphasizes their aim to unite the community through the love of coffee.
A Stitch in Time: The Inspiration Behind the Name
The name "Stitch Coffee" pays homage to the city's rich history tied to its historic cotton mill. Dave Hickey explained, "So much of Canton's history is built around the mill and stitching denim together. We aim to 'stitch' the community together by fostering connections among its residents through our shop."
Before relocating to Georgia, the Hickeys successfully founded The Coffee Potter in New Jersey, leveraging the renowned guidance from Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea. This partnership allowed them to merge their passion for coffee with community engagement and entrepreneurial success.
An Array of Craft Beverages
At Stitch Coffee, patrons will find a diverse menu that includes traditional coffee selections, espresso-based drinks, smoothies, and Italian sodas, all made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients. The coffee served at Stitch is roasted by the acclaimed Crimson Cup in Columbus, Ohio, ensuring quality in every sip. Notably, their signature five-bean blend offers a nutty flavor complemented by a sweet finish — a treat for any coffee lover.
Additionally, the café collaborates with local vendors to provide baked goods and savory wraps. Highlights include treats from Southern Creamery, located just a stone's throw away in Fairmount, and beloved products from the Hickeys' New York and New Jersey network, such as Linda's Biscotti and New Yorker Bagels.
Building Community Through Coffee
More than just a place to grab coffee, Stitch Coffee serves as a community hub where relationships are formed daily. "Our shop is more about the people who come through our doors each day," Geralyn emphasized. Their approach is not solely about the coffee, but about creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels connected.
Dave Hickey stated, "We want to be captains of our own ship and masters of our own destiny." This vision is designed to manifest through a mission dedicated to fostering a sense of community while also expressing their Christian faith as kindness and love.
Gaining Wisdom from Experience
Having partnered with Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea’s 7 Steps to Success program, the Hickeys found the guidance provided to be invaluable. The training includes everything from establishing a business plan to practical daily operations. "What we like most about Crimson Cup is the refreshing philosophy that the success of their partners equates to their own success," said Dave. This insight has helped them navigate the challenges of opening a new café in a new state.
Dave's advice to aspiring coffee entrepreneurs is straightforward: "Be careful what you wish for. It's a challenging journey filled with long hours and hard work, but it's worth every moment." He adds that success lies in creating exceptional customer service and forming partnerships, stating, "We decided to focus on customer service while letting Crimson Cup handle the coffee quality."
A Vision for Sustainability
Stitch Coffee stands firm in its commitment to sustainability. The beans are sourced through the Friend2Farmer® direct trade program, ensuring not only quality but also fairness for the coffee-growing communities overseas. The Hickeys place considerable importance on these ethical sourcing practices, further tying their business model to a larger vision of responsibility and integrity.
As Stitch Coffee embarks on its journey in Canton, it aspires to serve as a significant location for the community—one cup of coffee at a time. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Stitch Coffee features seating for 40 guests indoors and eight outside, creating a perfect spot for locals to enjoy great conversations over a quality cup of coffee. To learn more about their offerings and events, visit
www.stitchcoffeecanton.com or follow them on social media @stitchcoffeecanton.