Welcome to Mulebarn Coffee in Hawley, Texas

We’re excited to welcome Mulebarn Coffee to the group of independent coffee shops, cafés and bakeries we support in 37 states!

The shop at 13981 Highway 277 S in Hawley, Texas is one of over a dozen independent coffee shops expected to open in 2019 through our 7 Steps to Success coffee shop franchise alternative program.

Owners Patti and Vance Burrow decided to open a coffee shop after retiring from long careers in different industries. Patti had operated a daycare center for 30 years, while Vance worked as a diesel mechanic and mechanics supervisor.

“Patti enjoyed coffee and it seemed like a good business to get into,” Vance said. “Someone suggested to us that we purchase this lot and open a coffeehouse, and that’s what we did.”

An Internet search brought them to Crimson Cup and our 7 Steps to Success coffee shop franchise alternative program. Based on Founder and President Greg Ubert’s book, Seven Steps to Success in the Specialty Coffee Industry, our program has helped hundreds of independent coffee shops open and stay in business.

“We were impressed with Crimson Cup’s ethics and the support the company provides,” Vance said. “We also liked the idea that we can run our own shop and not be a ‘cookie cutter’ franchise coffeehouse.”

Patti said they found Step 5: Focus on Training, the most valuable in opening their coffee shop. “We love the hands-on training and ongoing support,” she said. “Friday check-in calls are our favorite part of the week!”

Mulebarn Coffee serves a full menu of hot, iced and frozen espresso drinks – including mochas, lattes and cappuccinos – as well as iced coffee and tea, cold-brewed coffee, hot chocolate, fruit smoothies and other custom drinks. An assortment of fresh baked goods including locally baked fried pies rounds out the menu.

Local java lovers have become big fans of the Crimson Cup coffee. “We’ve received nothing but rave reviews.” Patti said. “The biggest thing is that we know we’re better than the largest national coffee chain, and we hear that every day.”

Crimson Cup coffee has been judged among the best in the nation. We were named the 2019 Golden Bean Champion for Small Franchise/Chain roaster and Roast magazine’s 2016 Macro Roaster of the Year. Our coffees also have brought home trophies and medals from the Good Food Awards and America’s Best Espresso competition.

The new shop has more than 50 positive reviews on Facebook. “The products are superb, the atmosphere country and peaceful,” one reviewer wrote. “Forget the big chain cold and impersonal coffee shops. Worth the drive to Mulebarn Coffee where you will be welcomed and treated like forever friends.”

True to its Texas roots, the Mulebarn Coffee interior offers a country vibe with a big helping of comfort. Guests can sink into soft sofas and oversized chairs to chat, study or play some of the shop’s assortment of board games. At least one guest has purchased coffee at the drive-thru on horseback.

Asked to give advice to entrepreneurs who are thinking about opening a coffee shop, Vance said, “Do your homework and make sure you get a good location, but do it!”

Patti concluded, “We’re having a lot of fun and have enjoyed the process!”