What is your position in the coffee industry?

coffee shop owner

Where are you located? ( City and Country )

Stites, Idaho

How many years have you been in the industry?

4 years

If you are a barista or shop, are you interested in a barista exchange with another coffee shop/barista?

maybe

Tell us more about your coffee shop or barista skills.

My shop is located in a very small Idaho town with a population of 226. However, I have a consistent punch card clientele of 2500. I have regular customers that drive from 45 minutes away and beyond to come to my little shop. I've been open for 3.5 years. YEAH I survived the 3 year curse!!! I've had to be extremely resilient and creative when it came to marketing. I have great insight when it comes to making a business work in a rural location. We added a food menu after the first year which has been very successful. I've attended Coffee Fest since 03. It is always a wealth of information and inspiration. I love helping others in the industry.

What cities or countries are you interested in traveling to?

Mostly would just like to see every state in the US.

About Me:

I opened this business on a whim. I was a Physical Education Teacher and Coach for 5 years and was ready to do something different. I was visiting my parents on a weekend and just said one day...we should turn the old rental house into a coffee shop! 3 Months later it was remodeled and opened. Did all the work ourselves and it has been a crazy ride since then. No business plan...OOPS!

About My Company:

Chatterbox Enterprises Inc. Is a colorful hub of our little valley. Located on the Southfork of the Clearwater River. We are a full Espresso bar and restaurant. We've been in business for 3.5 years and are proud to have created jobs for 11 employees. In a community suffering from mill closures, reduced logging and a struggling economy, I'm proud to not only have survived this long; but also to have been very successful. I have an amazing staff and supportive community.

What is your favorite thing about the coffee industry?

Relationships/Friendships made with my customers and staff.

Website:

http://www.chatterboxcoffeehouse.com