Today we’d like to introduce you to James Spano.
Cup to Cup Started in Savannah nine years ago as a wholesale coffee roastery. Owner James learned how to roast coffee in Guatemala, spending time in a coffee producing country learning not just roasting, but green coffee sourcing, drink making, and the fine quality of creating a laid back atmosphere that is so scarce in many fast paced cafes in America.
James worked diligently to bring good coffee to Savannah, provide quality coffee as well as an appreciation of it. Having an education degree in college, James has always provided educational events for people to learn more about coffee.
He has also competed in coffee on the professional level. In 2015, he placed third in the Southeast Brewer’s Cup, a professional coffee brewing competition, qualifying to compete at the National level in Long Beach, CA. In 2016, he made it to the final round of the US Coffee Roasters Championship in Atlanta. He placed 6th in the country. James is competing again this year, placing third in the first round of Brewer’s Cup, and will be heading to New Orleans in February to compete in the next round.
It was also in 2016 that Cup to Cup Cafe was born. After years of dreaming and looking for just the right place, he found a little spot tucked just off the beaten path of downtown Savannah. Located on Abercorn Street, the cafe is in a perfect place to serve tourists as well as locals. With a menu that has a firm grasp of traditional coffee and espresso drinks, you can also find interesting items that aren’t on your typical menu like a coffee tonic, cascara fizz, or hop tonic.
Cup to Cup Cafe also serves as a place to hold educational events, as well as a location to provide coffee training.
Every month Cup to Cup Cafe holds a free educational event, in addition to more intense, professional level classes.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The cafe hit its first big bump in October of last year, having to evacuate for hurricane Matthew. The evacuation served not just as loss of business, but it was a slow comeback for things to get back to normal in what is usually one of the busiest times in Savannah.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
The cafe is still growing. At just over a year in, Cup to Cup Cafe is still settling in and making itself aware in the community. For the future, James hopes to roll out a full course of coffee classes at the cafe, providing a solid level of experience and understanding of coffee for people interested in choosing coffee as a career.
Pricing:
- Police, Fire, EMT, and Military can enjoy a small coffee for just $1
- Wear a Cup to Cup button or sticker and customers get 10% of their drink
- Early bird gets the worm! Come in before 8 and enjoy any size coffee for just $2
Contact Info:
- Address: 140 Abercorn Street
Savannah, GA 31401 - Website: www.cuptocupcoffee.com
- Phone: 912-376-9173
- Email: cuptocupcafe@gmail.com
- Instagram: cuptocupcafe
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cuptocupcafe/
Image Credit:
Laura Mulder
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