Coffee is personal. There’s a reason for the differences in the preparation of the beans, the many syrups that adorn the counters, the different milk options, what sweet drizzle you want atop or layered around the cup, whether you want it hot or cold… the list goes on. There’s something special about finding your favorite cup of coffee. Sometimes, it can be the thing that gets you out of bed or is the reason you smile for the first time after a really hard morning.
Beyond flavor, coffee brings communities together. Relationships have formed between patrons and baristas, whether it’s in a coffee shop or a drive-thru coffee hub.
There’s something special about having your name and order remembered, and the coffee shops in Blount County have a special talent for it.
They do more than serve, they get to know you.
More than that, they want to know you.
This week, we had the privilege of dropping by some of our favorite shops in the area: Beard Brothers, Bear Grounds, Plant People, and Two Faced Coffee.
If you have yet to find your favorite coffee order, or are wanting to find a coffee spot where you feel welcomed, this article is for you. Yes, you specifically. As in, the one scrolling on this blog right now. Don’t go anywhere. The show is about to begin.
The moment you walk through the front doors of Beard Brothers you’ll likely be greeted by Alec, the manager. If you’ve ever visited this spot, you’ll likely be greeted by name. Alec has a knack for remembering the small details.
After you place your order and turn to find a place to sit while you wait, you’ll be greeted with warm lighting, eclectic wall décor, various seating options–stools, booths, beautiful chairs you would find in your favorite grandmother’s living room–and a cozy, vintage feel.
In many ways, it doesn’t feel like you’ve walked into a coffee shop. It feels like you’ve walked into someone’s home and you’re the guest of honor.
If you’ve yet to visit Beard Brothers, or are looking for your favorite cup of joe but having difficulty branching out, try Alec’s favorite: the cappuccino!
While perhaps a simple order, Alec has a gift when it comes to the art that adorns your cup.
Tell us, what do you see?
For those of you out there who were hoping for a bit of a sweeter option, Alec recommends ordering a bit of maple in your drink! Also, be sure to order a chocolate chip cookie to pair it with!
When asked what makes Beard Brothers special, Alec, with his hands on his hips as he looked past us and at the patrons–a girl sitting by the window on her laptop, a pair of friends walking to their table to study, a couple chatting about their son, and two older gentlemen in the back catching up like old pals–he said, “We care about who comes in, and we want to get to know people.”
Truth is, we didn’t even need to ask. The sense of community is palpable, and the delight that crossed patrons’ faces when Alec referred to them by name as they walked through the door was all the answer we needed as to what makes this coffee spot special.
At this mom-and-pop shop, we had the pleasure of witnessing firsthand just how much love goes into every order.
As the owner’s husband, Kent, told us, “Everything comes from a bean.” From their eco-friendly roaster to their fresh beans straight from Guatemala, everything that’s handed through the window to the patron at this drive-thru coffee spot is made in-house.
We were delighted when we were invited inside the establishment to take a peek behind the curtain.
“Tracy, my wife and the owner,” said Kent, pointing to the woman actively preparing a hot cup of joe, “doesn’t serve a single cup without stirring it first. Doesn’t matter if it’s one of our specials or just a plain cup of black coffee. She wants our customers to get every bit of flavor.”
It was true. Multiple people drove up to the window as we stood there speaking with them, and they were polite enough to answer our questions as they tended to their patrons. Not a single cup went unstirred while we stood there, and it was evident that each cup is a labor of love.
So much so, that when you visit Bear Grounds and accept your drink at the window, you’ll be told, “Taste your drink. We want to be sure you love it.”
Kent’s favorite choices on the menu are the Goldilocks and the Log Cabin, but rest assured… you won’t be walking away with anything in your cup that you aren’t absolutely in love with.
Tracy will make sure of that.
The moment you enter through Plant People’s front doors, you’re in for a divine experience.
Referred to as a “botanical boutique,” this coffee shop is unique in that it doubles as a plant shop! You can peruse their selection as you wait on your coffee order, and we’d like to see any plant lover leave without buying a new green baby to bring home to the rest of their plant collection.
Not only do they have multiple types of potted plants for the picking, but they also have planters, can teach you how to build your own terrarium, have a self-serving coffee bar, and a nook tucked away to catch up with old friends.
What’s even more special is, of course, the sweet staff.
As we were wrapping up our visit (and of course, purchasing a plant!), a woman came into the shop holding a pruned handful of her beloved plant she had at home.
“What did I do wrong?” She asked, referring to the green leaves that were wilted along the edges.
The sweet girl who was checking us out jumped straight into action, retrieving the woman behind the coffee counter who had every answer.
Plant People is unique in that it serves multiple purposes, and each one works seamlessly to serve the community of Blount County and all its patrons.
Whether you’re looking for your new favorite drink (Emily, who checked us out, recommends the Bee Attack!), looking for a new plant, or have a question on how to save one of your own at home, the friendly faces at Plant People are more than happy to welcome you through their front doors.
If you’re looking for a Hallmark-like coffee shop that gives you that lovely small-town feel and cozy atmosphere, enter Two Faced Coffee into your GPS right this minute. Not only is the inside even sweeter than the many treats that adorn their menu, but it gives you the intimate, personal aesthetic that many want from their coffee shop experience.
When we dipped in for a visit, we were met at the counter by a sweet barista who told us that her favorite options on the menu are the Matcha Latte and the Chicken Salad “Sammich.”
As the barista walked us through how she makes the matcha lattes, a table nearby was filled with women of varying ages having the time of their lives. The sounds of their laughter reverberated off the walls and made the coffee taste even sweeter.
Connections are made at Two Faced Coffee, as well as lasting memories. It’s a pretty sweet spot, pun (always) intended.
Now that we’ve told you a few of our favorite coffee shops in the area, what are some of yours? Who would you want to see featured in our next article? Be sure to tell us over on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok!
