Six Coffee Shops, Six Success Stories

January 28, 2025 (Published: January 28, 2025)

January is here, and we’ve got some big reasons to celebrate! This month, six fantastic coffee shops in five states are marking major anniversaries—ranging from two years to seven. Each of these cafés started their journey with our 7 Steps to Success program, and now, they’re thriving hubs for their communities.

From Smoky Mountain Espresso in Tennessee celebrating seven years to Walnut Street Coffee and Deli in Kansas hitting two, these milestones are a testament to the grit, passion, and heart these owners pour into their businesses (along with the coffee, of course).

Here’s to milestones, fresh starts and the magic of a terrific cup of coffee. Cheers! ☕

How It All Started

Since 1991, Crimson Cup has been helping coffee-loving entrepreneurs turn their dreams into reality! We’ve helped over 300 entrepreneurs open shops in 37 states. That’s a lot of lattes!

It all started with Greg Ubert’s book, Seven Steps to Success: A Common-Sense Guide to Succeed in Specialty Coffee. This isn’t just a guide—it’s a launchpad, breaking down everything from writing a solid business plan to brewing barista-level coffee.

But the magic doesn’t stop at the book. Crimson Cup offers hands-on consulting, business templates, and even award-winning coffee to get shops off the ground and keep them soaring.

Meet the Milestone Makers

Here’s who’s celebrating this month:

☕ Smoky Mountain Espresso (Sevierville, TN) – 7 years of exceptional coffee and warm vibes. Their Smoky Mountain Mocha Freeze (white chocolate, caramel, espresso, and ice) is basically happiness in a cup.

☕ Second Chances Recovery & Retail Store (Poteau, OK) – 6 years of serving coffee with a cause.

☕ The Village Brew (Piketon, OH) – 4 years of bringing people together, one cup at a time.

☕ Mocha & Mini (Albert Lea, MN) – 3 years of coffee and cozy moments.

☕ Shawnee Station Coffee House (Lima, OH) – 3 years of community connection in every cup.

☕ Walnut Street Coffee and Deli (Oskaloosa, KS) – 2 years of caffeinating locals with smiles.

These shops aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving. And they all started by diving into the 7 Steps to Success program.

Let’s Talk Success Stats

Here’s the scoop: 70% of coffee shops Crimson Cup works with have been in business for five or more years. And since 2016, they’ve been launching an average of 15 new shops every year. That’s a serious track record.

One standout story? Michael and Karen Williams of Smoky Mountain Espresso. They didn’t have any coffee experience before opening their shop, but with Crimson Cup’s guidance, they’ve built a business that’s earned over 800 five-star Google reviews. (Yelp agrees—they’re the top coffee spot in Sevierville!)

“Without Crimson Cup, we wouldn’t have made it this far,” Michael shared. “They gave us everything we needed—expertise, quality, and unwavering support.”

Your Coffee Dream, 2025 Edition

So, what about you? If you’ve ever dreamed of running your own coffee shop, maybe 2025 is your year to make it happen! Crimson Cup’s Coffee Shop Startup Kit is your all-in-one ticket to success:

• A copy of Greg Ubert’s 7 Steps to Success
• Ready-to-go business plan templates
• Coffee samples (yum!) and merch
• Personalized advice from industry pros

Take it from 7 Steps Sales Leader Scott Fullerton: “Your coffee shop dream is closer than you think. Let’s make it happen!”

Ready to brew up your future? Call 888-800-9224 or email Scott at sfullerton@crimsoncup.com.