An Amazing Recipe - Heritage Coffee

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Josh Brenneman, owner of Heritage Coffee LLC., located in Birmingham, AL, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Heritage Coffee was established as a pop-up coffee shop in 2017. As a pop-up, we specialized in event services for churches and local businesses providing lattes, cappuccinos, teas, and more. In 2018 we began construction in the historic Cotton's building and opened in November 2019. Cotton's was established in the 1920s as a dry goods store and quickly became one of the most popular spots for men's and women's fine clothing. When "Cotton's" closed, it was purchased and renovated into a home for multiple businesses, including a new custom clothing store, a lawyer's office, a photography studio, and, of course, Heritage Coffee! We serve the local community with a variety of espresso-based drinks, smoothies, frappes, tea, and more!

Tell us about yourself

Heritage was first started as a pop-up after a meeting with a local businessman. After hearing from God to invest in the pop-up, he provided financial support and event space to help us launch. About a year after our initial launch, we were invited to Cotton's by the current owner. A short renovation later, we opened our first brick-and-mortar location! One of the motivations in opening in the Ensley community was to provide a safe, family-friendly environment where anyone could come by, grab a drink, and relax! The name "Heritage" is a call not only to remember the history but also to create a legacy for those that come after us.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As of yet, one of our biggest accomplishments is surviving COVID. We opened in November 2019, so we only had a few months before the pandemic hit. By the grace of God, we were able to close for a couple of months and re-open without issue. We didn't really see a lot of customers until 2021. Going through our entire first year without seeing much growth was rather challenging.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the most difficult things that come with running a business is the lack of relatability from those outside. It's easy for a customer to walk in, order, and enjoy something without realizing that there are a hundred things that had to happen in order to make that one experience exceptional. There's quite the balancing act going on behind the scenes! Thankfully, we have a fantastic customer base and quite a few regulars that help keep us going!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Network with everyone. You never know who you're talking to and how they may be willing to help your business grow. Find a good mentor in your field. Having someone that already has been through what you're going into helps provide stability and reassurance that you can do it. Finally, go! It's really easy to get so caught up in the research and planning that you'll talk yourself out of doing anything to begin with. Don't be afraid to try something different.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.heritagecoffee.shop/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heritagecoffeeAL/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heritagecoffee.al/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.