Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsey Williams.
Lindsey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am the owner of Stomping Grounds it is a small-town coffee shop located in the heart of Staples, MN. It has been around since early 2000. After I graduated high school in 2001, my love for this coffee shop, along with coffee, grew stronger. In August of 2017, I found out from a friend that was a barista there that it would be closing if they were unable to find a new owner, so what did I do I left my contact info and within a short time, I was the new owner. By September 2017, I was able to make a dream become my reality. I purchased Stomping Grounds fulfilling my dream of being my own boss but better yet making coffee. Over the past 5 years, I have learned many things about coffee, what it is like to live to follow a dream and survive many ups & downs. Not to mention Stomping Grounds was voted #2 in the Twin Cities “Worth the trip series. They had several coffee shops across Minnesota entered in the Top 5 best coffee shops in Minnesota and Stomping Grounds was lucky enough to make it into the top 5!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been many ups and downs over the last 5 years at Stomping Grounds. Some that will forever stick out for me is going through a divorce, having Covid hit in the spring of 2019 to many hurdles now like shortages and inflation. But the most positive out of it all is the customer support in a small town but also all the out-of-town people passing through. I have been lucky also to have some really great employees.
We’ve been impressed with Stomping Grounds, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Stomping Grounds coffee shop is located in the heart of Staples, MN. It specializes in a variety of coffees from brewed to signature drinks. Our espresso comes from Folly which is located in Silver Lake, MN and is a lighter roast that is very smooth. We also offer lunch items along with a variety of specialty muffins that come all the way from Perham, MN. But I would have to say our signature drinks and knowledge about coffee has been a huge hit. A couple of our Signature drinks are the White Cow (caramel, vanilla & white chocolate) which a sweeter drink and a Peppermint White Mocha (peppermint & white chocolate) which one would think it would only be popular around holiday time…. so not true. Myself and generally 3-4 part-time employees is what keeps the shop going Monday- Saturday.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Research is key! Always use your resources, ask questions and be open-minded. Take the leap no matter how big it is, or you’ll regret the what-ifs.
Pricing:
- $2-$10
Contact Info:
- Website: stompinggrounds218.com
- Instagram: stomping_grounds_218
- Facebook: Stomping Grounds
Image Credits
Lindsey Williams
Kelly Pearson (Aiden & Oak) took my personal photo
