January 11, 2023 (Revealed: December 17, 2022)
For the grand opening on November 15, 2022, traces of excited native espresso fanatics stretched out of doors the brand new location at 118 West Major Boulevard in McArthur, Ohio.
The brand new espresso area serves a complete menu of scorching, iced and frozen espresso drinks – including mochas, lattes and cappuccinos – as well as iced coffee and tea, cold-brewed coffee, hot chocolate, and other custom drinks.
An assortment of locally baked cupcakes, coffee cake and other goodies rounds out the menu.
Meet Smoke-N-Beans Owners John and Connie McGee
Since 2006, veteran small business owners John and Connie McGee have operated Spring Street Sports, a sports apparel and barbecue specialty store.
Started as a home-based business, the shop later moved to a historic brick building at 118 West Main Street in the downtown McArthur shopping district.
Besides sports apparel, the shop offers gourmet barbecue sauces.
“We sell all kinds of barbecue sauces you can’t find in your typical store,” John said. “For example, we’re the only place in Ohio that sells Hutch’s Gourmet Barbecue sauce.”
The McGees decided to open Smoke-N-Beans Coffee Bar in the same building as their existing business, with a mission of serving terrific coffee to the local McArthur community.
“Before we opened our doors in September, the closest coffee shop was 30 miles away,” John McGee said.
“People talked about driving to Athens or Hocking County to get espresso drinks.
Now, they come here! We’ve become a community gathering place.”
Search for an Experienced Coffee Partner Leads to Crimson Cup
When they began researching how to open a coffee shop, the McGees were confident in the business skills they honed at Spring Street Sports. But they knew little about the coffee industry.
“We knew we could run the business,” John said. “We just need support on the coffee side.”
They decided not to consider a coffee shop franchise, which would not have been in the budget. Crimson Cup’s 7 Steps program, which offers the benefits of a franchise without franchise fees or royalties, offered a viable option.
“After talking to several coffee shop owners and other roasters, I decided on Crimson Cup because I needed a support system,” John said. “I also visited other Crimson Cup shops and liked the products.”
The 7 Steps offer a proven system for running a thriving coffee business, including writing a strong coffee shop business plan, calculating coffee shop startup costs, designing and laying out each coffee shop, choosing the right espresso machine and other equipment, hiring and training staff, and much more.
Crimson Cup Startup Team Guides Smoke-N-Beans from Concept through Opening and Beyond
In September, 7 Steps Project Manager and Trainer Steve Bayless spent the week leading up to the opening of Smoke-N-Beans training the McGees, Manager Stacy Karr, and their baristas in all aspects of drink preparation and coffee shop operation.
Crimson Cup’s Customer Growth Team took over from there, offering guidance on day-to-day operations and trouble-shooting any issues.
Customer Growth Rep Heather Syx continues to work with John, Connie, Stacy and their team to grow the coffee business.
John said he likes working with Crimson Cup because of the support team and the quality products.
“I found all 7 Steps helpful. They’re all part of the system.”
Visit Smoke-N-Beans Coffee Bar
The McGees invite everyone in McArthur and Vinton County to visit their new coffee shop, which is open seven days a week in the Spring Street Sports building at 118 West Main Street.
“Smoke-N-Beans Coffee Bar is your one-stop place for great drinks and the largest selection of BBQ rubs and sauces in the area!” Connie said.
“We know we’ve got something special here, so we invite everyone to come out to experience what Smoke-N-Beans has to offer!”
Follow the Smoke-N-Beans and Spring Street Sports Facebook page for updates about hours, events and new menu items.
Thinking About Opening Your Own Coffee Shop? The McGees Have Some Advice.
“Be prepared for it to cost more than planned to open,” John said.
“Make certain that your customers feel good about their visit. And do your homework on your hires.”
If you’re an entrepreneur with a passion for coffee and a yen for business ownership, opening a coffee shop could be the perfect opportunity for you!
To get started, call our 7 Steps Coffee Shop Startup Team at 888-800-9224 during regular business hours. Nights and weekends, you’re welcome to fill out this form, and we’ll get back to you within one business day.
