COLUMBUS, Ohio, U.S. — Columbus coffee roaster Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea recently welcomed Wholly Grounds Coffee House to the group of independent coffee shops, cafés and bakeries it supports in 37 states. The shop held its grand opening July 23, 2019.
Located at 851 Joe Frank Harris Parkway in Cartersville, Georgia, Wholly Grounds 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.
“We’re excited to welcome Owners Tom and Kim Easter to the Crimson Cup community,” said Founder and President Greg Ubert. “Helping entrepreneurs open independent coffee shops is a big part of what drives our success as an award-winning coffee roaster and alternative to big coffee shop franchises.”
The Easters, who own a local accounting business, decided to open a coffee shop to give back to the local community. They plan to donate a portion of profits to local charities.
“I also wanted a retirement business that would provide plenty of free coffee!” Kim Easter said.
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 looked at local roasters and a few others, and we came across Crimson Cup from a Google search,” Tom Easter said. “We tried the product and loved it, and knew we found the right partner for our business.”
He said he read the book about 10 times. “You have to work through all 7 Steps to get the outcome you want,” he said. “They all fit together. It’s a perfect program for success!”
Kim Easter said she was impressed with people and the integrity of Crimson Cup. “The knowledge they have that they’re willing to share is so valuable,” she said. “We want to model our coffee house on what we learned from Crimson Cup – the honesty and transparency of how you do business is how we want to run.”
Wholly Grounds Coffee House 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 locally baked pastries rounds out the menu.
The shop’s drive-thru window caters to coffee lovers on the go. Inside, guests enjoy comfortable seating with complimentary Wi-Fi and plenty of outlets. The café also offers a private conference room for small groups, networking and study groups.
Kim Easter said local java lovers have become big fans of the coffee, which is roasted by Crimson Cup. “They love the taste, quality, and consistency,” she said.
Wholly Grounds has over 60 positive reviews on Facebook. “Lovely shop, great coffee and pleasant service!” said one reviewer. “Best iced coffee, delicious pastries, best coffee, relaxing atmosphere, and convenient location.”
Crimson Cup coffee has been judged among the best in the nation. The roaster was named 2019 Golden Bean Champion for Small Franchise/Chain roaster and Roast magazine’s 2016 Macro Roaster of the Year. Crimson Cup coffees have also brought home trophies and medals from the Good Food Awards and America’s Best Espresso competition.
Asked to give advice to entrepreneurs who are thinking about opening a coffee shop, Tom Easter recommended taking a long-term approach. “Know that it won’t be an overnight success, so plan to work to where you want to be,” he said. “Have faith and confidence in yourself and the product you’re selling and give it time.”
