Today we’d like to introduce you to Dale Donchey.
Hi Dale, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
A history of Dale Donchey in coffee is too long for any ears to listen to as I move into year 20 in the industry. But I’ll give it my best shot!
My first days of coffee were spent at a Starbucks in my neighborhood as a second job in 2002, which then grew into helping a couple of customers open their own dream of a café. Thus began my journey into the “independent” coffee shop life. From barista competitions around the US to being a part owner of Rattletrap, a coffee food truck. Then in 2011, I opened my first coffee shop Steady Hand Pour House in Emory Village. Finally, the road brings us to 2015 and the opening of the very first Spiller Park Coffee, in Ponce City Market. All this coffee and growth happened in the city of Atlanta, outside of my adventure to the other side of the planet.
How did I do it? Not sure. I just never stopped wanting to move forward, grow, and learn.
I looked at every situation as “If I fail, the worst that happens is I’m right back where I started…and hey, Starbucks is hiring all the time” haha.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The hardest part is really learning the business part of your art. I can of course make friends and customers, make coffee, make food, make a near perfect playlist. I can even figure out how to serve coffee efficiently in tiny spaces that seem like they’ll never work, and manage other baristas. But it took a long time to understand branding, taxes, and licensing…and let’s not get started on lease negotiations. Turning art into business is very hard. It was not a smooth process but one that does show reward once understood.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Reaching out via the contact info below is always a good start if you wish to connect or collaborate on a project. I love collaboration projects! Especially if you’re looking to raise money for a good cause. Huge believer in using my business as a platform for change.
It’s also possible to spot me at either Ponce City Market, Toco Hill, or the SP3 at Moores Mill location. But I haven’t figured out multiplying myself yet, so no guarantees.
As for supporting me, it’s crazy simple in a retailer’s life; come to our three shops around Atlanta, buy merchandise from our online store, help us reach more people through interacting with us on social media. Most importantly, when you speak of Spiller Park Coffee speak kindly. With these types of support I can support the team that truly makes Spiller Park as great as it is. Those dollars go towards continuing healthcare coverage, vacation time, better wages, family leave, and the occasional party.
Contact Info:
- Email: dale@spillerpark.com
- Website: www.spillerpark.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/dbdonchey
- Facebook: facebook.com/spillerparkcoffee
- Twitter: twitter.com/dbdonchey
Image Credits:
All image credits to our social media coordinator and online manager, Rachel McCart @rkmccart , rachel@spillerpark.com. Rights and permissions for use by Spiller Park Coffee and Voyage Interviews is given by Rachel McCart.
