Adam’s Flying Pig Coffee House Takes Flight in Wheelersburg, Ohio
October 8, 2020 (Published: October 8, 2020)
Ryan and Tammy Salmons dreamed of opening a coffee shop for so long that family and friends said the shop would open, “When pigs fly.”
“Guess what … This pig is flying!” Tammy said. “Welcome to Adam’s Flying Pig Coffee House!”
The pig took flight September 4 at 9107 Ohio River Road in Wheelersburg, Ohio.
Exploring Career Choices and Coffee
The coffee house got its start when Tammy and Ryan considered career choices for their oldest son, Adam, who lives with Autism.
Their two younger daughters had plans for college and careers. But how would Adam make his way in the world?
A coffee shop seemed a perfect fit for Adam, who has an affinity for food service and loves going to different coffee houses when they travel.
“He already had experience working at McDonald’s and Senora’s restaurants. Why not a coffee shop?” Tammy said.
“We wanted to create a place where Adam and others with special needs would find employment, acceptance and social life,” she added.
Entrepreneurship is a Family Affair
Entrepreneurship and service to their local community run in the family. Ryan has operated a local State Farm insurance agency in Wheelersburg for 20 years.
“When we found the current location for my agency, we knew the building would also be the perfect home for our coffee shop,” he said.
Finding a Coffee Partner
Although Tammy loves coffee, it took a while for the stay-at-home mom of 20 years to get her “pig” to fly.
“I started researching excellent coffee and places that help people open a coffee shop,” she said.
“After looking at various partners and online schools, I chose Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea. They have award-winning coffee and a proven system for success.”
Following the 7 Steps to Success
Crimson Cup trains entrepreneurs through our 7 Steps to Success coffee shop franchise alternative.
Founder and President Greg Ubert created the program based on his book, “Seven Steps to Success: A Common-Sense Guide to Succeed in Specialty Coffee.”
Now in its second printing, the 7 Steps book and training program have guided over 150 coffee shop owners in 30 states on to road to thriving businesses.
In fact, Adam’s Flying Pig is one of 11 independent coffee houses that opened this summer in their local communities through Crimson Cup’s 7 Steps program.
“We’re excited to welcome Tammy, Ryan, Adam and their family as Crimson Cup customers,” Greg said. “We love to help entrepreneurs like the Salmons put their unique stamp on their own small businesses.”
“You don’t have to go it alone. Crimson Cup has been turning coffee lovers into successful coffee house owners for nearly three decades.”
Greg Ubert
Tammy said she was impressed by the detailed, hands-on training she received. “I never realized how much detail goes into outstanding quality,” she said.
“I also liked that we learned about the global supply chain and why it’s important to present the hard work of the coffee farming communities through Friend2Farmer,” she added.
Crimson Cup’s unique Friend2Farmer initiative helps coffee farmers grow better coffee, earn more for their harvest and reinvest in their farms and communities.
“Adam loves geography, loves history and maps, and is going to try to show customers where the coffee is from,” Tammy said.
Adam’s Flying Pig Takes Off
In its first few weeks, Adam’s Flying Pig has really taken flight. Members of the Wheelersburg community rave about the coffee, service and atmosphere.
In Facebook reviews, customers praise the friendly staff, fast service, “cozy and modern” décor – and the “amazing” coffee, roasted by Crimson Cup.
Customers choose from a full menu of hot and cold specialty coffee drinks, including handcrafted espressos, lattes, cappuccinos and mochas, plus frozen smoothies, hot chocolate and premium hot and iced teas.
The shop also has Crimson Cup’s craft Nitro cold brew on tap. Infused with nitrogen bubbles, Nitro is an effervescent iced beverage with a rich, creamy texture and natural sweetness.
The Salmons employ about nine full and part-time baristas and other staff, including Adam. “He loves to come in a few days, but he loves his other jobs, too!” Tammy said.
They hope to add other staff with special needs as the business grows.
As she begins her new life as a coffee shop owner, Tammy had this advice for others who are thinking about opening a coffee shop:
“Plan well; don’t jump in without having a business plan. There can be lots of hidden costs if you’re not careful.
“Also, make sure to check reviews of potential partners and put your money into the best!” she concluded.