BY DEBBIE PAGE
debbiepage.iredellfreenews@gmail.com

The rich aroma of coffee and the soft hum of voices greets visitors coming in for a cup of warmth on a blustery winter day at Your Coffee Place in Troutman.

Friends Susan O’Malley, a retired doctor from New York who arrived here in 2019, and Nina Priore, who has worked for Belks and Kohls since moving here from New York in 2006, had wanted to partner in a business together for several years.

They originally planned a craft store/studio business. However, both also saw a need for an independent coffee shop in Troutman as well. Their dream came to fruition with the shop’s December 20 opening.

Your Coffee Place combines the best of both worlds — great local coffee and many opportunities for creativity, community connection, and friendly, personalized customer service.

Priore is proud of their sophisticated swift grinder and brewing station, which helps them deliver superior beverages to their customers. In addition to coffee selections, ranging from espresso to nitro brews to iced coffee, teas and hot chocolate, the shop also offers barista specialities. Through February 14, the shop is featuring the Valentine’s Day inspired creations Kelsen’s Chocolate Covered Cherry Macchiato and Joslynn’s Strawberry Kiss Crème Frappe.

In addition to Big Paul’s Honey and the locally roasted Sky Mountain Coffee by the pound, the shop also offers a variety of Sweets and Treats by Maria and other local bakeries.

Plans are in the works to expand food offerings, with breakfast foods, sandwiches, and possibly a food truck. They are also looking to add beer and wine options after receiving their license, hopefully in the next month.

“We try to keep everything local,” said Priore. She noted the baristas already know most regulars by name and coffee order. “We want people to come here, feel comfortable, and have a good time,” she said.

The shop also welcomes well-mannered pups on a leash. They can enjoy their own “puppachino” order of whipped cream in a cup.

Your Coffee Place has also partnered with the Joe Coffee app to provide customers with a mobile ordering option. Customers can place their order and pick-up time for freshly made coffee delivered to their car window or for pick up at the counter.

Priore said each room of the 106-year-old house features a decor theme that adds to the unique atmosphere, from an Americana-inspired room to a more cozy, shabby chic feminine feel across the hall. Another room is set up with long tables for craft classes, meetings, or other uses.

Some folks just come in to work in the warm, friendly atmosphere for a change of pace, utilizing the shop’s free wifi.

Customer Daniel Crouse has been coming to YCP nearly every day since its opening. “It feels like home,” he said. “The employees are kind and compassionate and remember your name. They encourage people and brighten their days. Kids can come and enjoy it too.”

“The coffee is magnificent — the best I’ve had around here. It’s fresh every day.”

The front porch features Troutman Chair rockers and gliders for people-watching on sunny days. The back courtyard area boasts the “Big Red Chair,” a huge Adirondack chair for photo opportunities, as well as table and chair groupings around a porch stage for local musicians to perform once spring warmth arrives.

Local musicians who are interested in performing can contact Priore at hello@ycptroutman.com or call her at 704-508-2094.

For now, customers can enjoy the cool jazz saxophone sounds of Frank Falzone indoors from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoons.

Bible study groups, student study buddies, a knitting club, Troutman Business Network, and other groups are already meeting here, and many classes to meet all types of creative interests are scheduled as well.

Customers can call to reserve a space for private gatherings or club meetings. Each room accommodates up to 16 people.

Classes to appeal to a wide range of interests are already available each week.

Sedalia Phankhaysy is teaching an all-levels yoga class on Saturdays from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Those interested should bring a mat and can enjoy a coffee after class.

Mel and Megan are also teaching cookie decorating classes, with the morning class sold out and only a few spots left for the Saturday, February 12, afternoon class from 2 to 4 p.m.

Several painting adult classes are also being offered, including “Cup of Comfort” ($40) on Thursday, February 10 at 7 p.m., “Spring” ($40) on Thursday, February 24, and Thursday, March 10, at 7 p.m., and “He Is Risen” ($45) on Saturday, March 19, and Saturday, April 2, from noon to 4 p.m.

A children’s painting class, “Bunny Rabbit” ($25) is also being offered on Sunday, February 20, at noon.

If interested in any of these classes, please stop by, call (704-508-2094), or send an email message (events@ycp.com) to get a class invoice, which needs to be paid within 24 hours. A limited number of seats are available, and classes tend to fill up quickly.

The minimum age is 12 years old for adult classes and 7 years old for children’s classes, but instructors may make exceptions on an individual case basis.

For those artists or crafters interested in having Your Coffee Place host one of their creative classes, contact Priore at 704-508-2094 on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. or email at events@ycptroutman.com for more information. They welcome local artists and crafters to bring their talents to YCP.

Businesses or groups can also request a customized class for a team building or social gathering experience.

Priore also said bee and cold foam classes and bingo nights are also being scheduled. Craft vendor shows, a farmer’s market, and movie nights on the side lawn are also being planned in the coming months.

The Your Coffee Place official grand opening will be on April 19, with a ribbon cutting, a visit from the Easter Bunny, and an Easter Egg hunt.