In the spirit of reflection before the new year, we want to recognize a few standout Texas Coffee School Coffeepreneurs® who took their coffee shop business to the next level. These successful former students proved there are many ways to innovate — from catering to a target audience like parents with kids, to renting out coffee shop space, to hosting community events. They’ve found new ways to generate revenue while building a brand that delights customers.
Chandler Lipe, Texas Coffee School Coffeepreneur® and owner of The Den, is making waves in Denver. We wrote about the launch of her family-friendly coffee shop and gathering space one year ago. Heading into her second year of business, we reached out to learn about her impressive progress, growth, and streamlined operations.
The Den social lounge & coffee shop has scaled quickly and created three strong revenue streams: a coffee shop, family lounge,
Texas Coffee School graduate and Coffeepreneur®, Tiffani Kocsis, owner of East Dallas Middle Ground, is no stranger to the coffee shop world. She says she grew up studying, spending time with friends and finding a second home at coffee shops. So it’s no surprise that after 20 years in education, writing a book, and raising a family, Tiffani set out to create her own vision of what a coffee shop would be.
We asked her a few questions about starting a successful coffee business in East Dallas and for her best tips for aspiring coffee shop owners.
Marta Alonzo, Texas Coffee School former student and owner of Sit & Sip with ME, has been working for someone else since 1986. That is, until she opened her own coffee business in 2023 in San Antonio, Texas.
“I’d rather work 100 hours for myself than 40 hours for somebody else,” Marta says.
Marta has always wanted to help others. She’s worked in nonprofits, the health department, and hospitals. But her emphasis has always been on building community.
When Heather and Rachael, two teachers from small-town Nebraska, decided to open their own coffee shop, they knew it would be a risk. But a magazine article, a song at a concert and a reconsidered building offer ushered in a new season of coffee shop ownership at River Mill Coffee Company.
The duo shared a mutual best friend and first met as members of their friend’s wedding bridal party. But they reconnected years later when their kids attended the same school and formed a friendship.