Business Opportunities Weblog

March 20, 2007 by Rich Whittle | 1 Comment

The Birmingham News:

Lucy Bonds admits she was nervous when her quaint little coffee shop on Birmingham’s Southside got a Goliath of a neighbor – Starbuck’s Coffee.

Eighteen months later, Lucy’s Coffee & Tea is still going strong, supported by many of the loyal fans who have enabled the shop to celebrate 12 years in business this year.

Bonds first gained her love of coffee in 1989 after moving to Seattle, Starbuck’s hometown. The Greensboro native moved back to her home state of Alabama in 1992 and says, “I knew Birmingham was the best place to start a coffee business.”

She first started selling coffee from a cart near Tracy’s Cafeteria at University Boulevard and 20th Street South and within three years set up a shop across the street.

Bonds credits the “hometown feel” and close presence to UAB for much of her success, along with Birmingham’s reputation as home of several independent coffee shops and two major coffee roasters – Royal Cup and Red Diamond Coffee & Tea.

Most small coffee shops would get nervous with a Starbuck’s next door. How have you done it?

It was a big challenge having the biggest of the big open next door. But it really has been fine. There has been so much support from the community.

I really do believe that people enjoy that small-town, mom and pop approach. The essence of Lucy’s is a feeling of home.

Photo by okwu.

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Tags: Niche, Strategy, Success