Cup O’ Joy Coffee Barn Opens in Edgerton, Ohio
May 10, 2022 (Published: October 15, 2021)
With the opening of Cup O’ Joy Coffee Barn, Stephanie Walkup realized a dream that had been brewing in her heart for six years.
“I was a nurse, then a stay-at-home mom with our four children,” Stephanie said. “Our youngest just entered kindergarten, opening up time for me to pursue my dream.”
Although she loves coffee and the atmosphere of coffee shops – where people come together, hang out, play games and talk – Stephanie lacked coffee experience.
Learning How to Open a Coffee Shop
She and husband Shea Walkup, an Edgerton Dentist, learned how to open a coffee shop after a Google search led them to Crimson Cup.
Their first step was ordering Seven Steps to Success: a Common-sense Guide to Succeed in Specialty Coffee by Founder and President Greg Ubert.
“We read Crimson Cup story, then came and visited their Columbus headquarters and saw how impressive their facilities were,” Stephanie said.
“I loved how their Friend2Farmer program works and was impressed with Coffee Buyer Dave Eldridge and his travels around the globe to build relationships with farmers.”
Following the 7 Steps to Success
The couple then signed up for our 7 Steps to Success coffee shop startup program. This proven system turns entrepreneurs with little or no coffee experience into owners of thriving coffee shops.
To date, over 300 entrepreneurs in 30 states have followed the 7 Steps to create profitable coffee shops.
“We’re excited to welcome Stephanie and Shea as 7 Steps customers,” Greg said. “Each new local coffee shop adds impact to The Ripple Effect, a focus on good that spreads from our actions to small businesses and communities around the world.”
Creating Cup O’ Joy Coffee Barn
Our coffee shop startup consultants guided the couple step by step, from writing their coffee shop business plan to choosing equipment, hiring and training employees and more.
The Walkups demolished a dilapidated house and small building on the north side of Vine Street in Edgerton to make way for the new shop, styled as a white coffee barn with a red roof, spacious seating inside and a convenient drive-thru for coffee lovers on the go.
7 Steps Trainer and Project Manager Steve Bayless helped lay out the shop, then traveled to Edgerton the week before the shop opened.
There, he taught Stephanie and her baristas to prepare drinks and run Cup O’ Joy, staying through opening day to ensure everything ran well.
“I don’t think I would have had a clue how to open a coffee business without Crimson Cup,” Stephanie said.
“We would like Steve to stay for a few more weeks! From the build out through opening day, he’s been on it, responding to our questions and giving us the knowledge, we need to be successful.”
A one-stop shop for independent coffee shops, Crimson Cup supplies award-winning coffee, coffee business expertise, hands-on training and industry-leading coffee shop supplies.
The Importance of Step 5: Focus on Training
“I don’t know how people do this without getting someone to help,” Stephanie said. “Step 2, Focus on Efficiency of Layout, was super helpful, too!”
Asked what she would say to others who are thinking about opening a coffee shop, Stephanie offered this advice:
“Be prepared for all that comes with owning and running a business. Owning a coffee shop is way different from going into a coffee shop as a customer. I love to serve and this is definitely a great service.”
Grand Opening Draws Big Crowds
On November 16, 2021, Edgerton coffee lovers packed Cup O’ Joy Coffee Barn to enjoy $1 coffee drinks and celebrate the grand opening of the independent coffee shop at 108 West Vine Street.
“I want to give a huge shout-out to Edgerton and surrounding communities for showing up big for our Grand Opening!” Stephanie said. “You all are amazing and we are so blessed by your support!”
Besides drink specials, Stephanie and her team celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony and door prizes.
7 Steps Customer Growth Rep Heather Ciranna was on hand to help ensure a successful event.
“It was a beautiful grand opening for the fabulous ladies at Cup O’ Joy Coffee Barn,” she said. “We saw full tables and lines stretching out the door!”
Visit Cup O’ Joy Coffee Barn
Inside Cup O’ Joy, guests enjoy a full menu of hot, cold and iced espresso-based drinks in a warm atmosphere with plenty of seating. A drive-thru caters to coffee lovers on the go.
In its first few days, the shop won an enthusiastic welcome from new customers. Several called out the signature drink, Cup O’ Joy Mocha, which melds white chocolate with espresso and a caramel drizzle.
“Absolutely LOVE the Cup of Joy Mocha…hot or iced!” said one Facebook reviewer. “Beautiful building & welcoming atmosphere. Definitely worth stopping by!”
The coffee, roasted by Crimson Cup, ranks among the best in the nation. Among other honors, the roaster won 2020 and 2017 Good Food Awards, which recognize the country’s best-tasting and most sustainably sourced coffees.
The Walkups invite everyone in Williams County, Northwest Ohio and beyond to visit Cup O’ Joy Coffee Barn at 108 West Vine Street in Edgerton.
Follow the shop’s Facebook page for news about hours and upcoming grand opening celebrations.
