Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke Gabbert.
Hi Brooke, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Since I was a freshman in high school it was always my dream to own my own coffee shop. I had always loved coffee of course, but more than that, I always loved the atmosphere and sense of community that a coffee shop creates. When I was 18, less than a year after graduating high school, the coffee shop in Winsted was closing and I figured no time like the present to start my dream. I purchased the shop in April of 2023 and officially opened Coffee Cove in June of 2023.
Coffee has always been a love of mine and having my own shop has given me the chance to be creative and try anything. I am always trying new things to put out on my seasonal menus. My family and friends were a huge help in making my shop really come to life. Now I have created a space that people can come relax and connect and feel at home. I also have to give credit to my amazing costumers, who come support me all the time. Winsted is such an amazing community, and I am so lucky to have my shop here.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest struggle for me, I would say was having to learn so much information all at once. As I said I never went to college and I was only 18 when I started so it was a learning process. I had worked in coffee shops before, so I understood how coffee worked and the workflow of that. The business side of things did stress me out for a time. I felt like I had a new question every day, but as time went on, I caught on and things became easier. Although it has been almost three years now and I still feel like I’m learning everyday.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Coffee Cove?
Coffee Cove is a coffee shop that is focused on providing great drinks and also a great atmosphere. I wanted my coffee shop to be a place for people to come and feel comfortable weather that be meeting with people, doing schoolwork, or reading a book alone out on our deck. A place for the community to gather and enjoy a great cup of coffee, smoothie, or lotus. My shop has a very neutral minimalistic design because I wanted the shop to bring a sense of calmness as soon as you walk in the door. I am also constantly testing my coffee to ensure it is as best as I possibly can make. Things like trying different coffee roasters and new flavors so I am always giving my customers the best coffee. Here at Coffee Cove we offer the coffee basic like americanos, lattes, and mochas and we also have some specialty lattes with flavor combinations that people love, like our salted caramel latte, which is our bestselling drink. We also have options for people who may not like coffee like smoothies, chai tea, and our lotus drinks, which is a fruity energy refresher mixed with sparkling water.
How do you define success?
To me success within my coffee shop is more than just numbers, its building something that people enjoy and want to come back to. Seeing my regulars come through the door, knowing their orders, and building a relationship with them. I also love when I can meet new people who may have seen us online or heard through a friend, it gives me a sense my brand is growing and I am doing something right here.
Pricing:
- Most of my drinks will range from about 4-6 dollars.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://coffeecove.org
- Instagram: coffeecove.mn
- Facebook: Coffee Cove
