Scholar ditches the books to open her dream coffee shop
Lorissa McAllister took a deep breath.
She sank into a black leather couch and smiled, recalling one of the most tumultuous times of her life.
It was a few months ago — the start of summer and the end of an era for McAllister.
She was preparing to graduate from Salisbury University with a major in conflict analysis and dispute resolution.
The past four years had been devoted to research papers and internships, late night study sessions and homework, excellent grades and group projects. But despite all her hard work, and a looming advancement into the "real world," McAllister's mind was elsewhere.
"I wanted to open a coffee shop," she said.
McAllister grew up in Snow Hill, a quaint town in the heart of Worcester County, which was lacking such an establishment.
"The months leading up to graduation sort of blurred together," she said. "I felt like I didn't sleep for weeks. If I wasn't working on homework, I was working on my business plan. I was exhausted from it all. Mentally, physically and emotionally."
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By the time McAllister graduated though, she had secured a spot for her dream business in her hometown.
"It was surreal," she said, tucking a piece of blonde curly hair behind her ear. "I was getting my diploma and signing a lease for something that had absolutely nothing to do with my major — talk about terrifying."
A leap of faith
McAllister opened Daily Brew Coffeehouse July 9 on North Washington Street in Snow Hill.
The shop's building, nearly 200 years old, is owned by art consultant Christie Taylor. Her company, Hodges Taylor, offers a full range of consulting services with offices in Charlotte, North Carolina and Snow Hill.
Taylor used the top floor of the old building on North Washington Street for a gallery, yet had a different vision for downstairs.
"She thought the space was destined for coffee," McAllister said.
Once the two women got together, things moved quickly.
But in order to dish out caffeine buzzes, the historic building needed a serious face-lift. McAllister spent months remolding the first floor, careful to keep the old charm intact.
She refinished the hardwood floors and painted the walls, had a custom-made counter and wooden laptop bar installed, and added a dozen tables and chairs.
The creamy white walls are now adorned with unique artwork, courtesy of the landlord, and pieces picked out by McAllister — like the enormous, glowing "DBC" letters hanging above the black leather couch.
"I call them my statement letters," she said, looking up at them triumphantly.
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Coffee flavored passion
So far, business has been booming.
The only coffee shop for miles, Daily Brew Coffeehouse has filled a much needed niche in Snow Hill that has been missing for years.
The coffeehouse offers roasts and blends from CoffeeAM, a specialty coffee roaster out of Georgia that supplies cafes and coffee connoisseurs across the country. The medium roast house-blend is smooth, but full-bodied, McAllister said, and the house favorite is toasted marshmallow.
"It's like dessert in a cup," she said.
In addition to hot and iced coffees, Daily Brew Coffeehouse offers espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, tea and fresh fruit smoothies. Bagels, croissants and homemade muffins, cookies, cupcakes and other pastries are also available.
McAllister recently expanded the menu to offer gourmet breakfast and lunch items, like leafy green salads and the ham, pear and brie panini. She plans to offer homemade soups in the fall.
"Lunch has really taken off," she said.
In less than two months, McAllister has secured a number of regulars, even folks visiting the area on vacation like Chris Jones and John Hills from Toronto.
"It's a lovely place," Jones said. "We've been in every morning, and the food is phenomenal."
Slicing sandwiches and handing out lattes was never part of McAllister's plan, but she couldn't be happier.
"I have no regrets," she said. "This is my where my heart is. I know I did the right thing."
302-537-1881, ext. 207
On Twitter @hcarroll_1
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Daily Brew Coffeehouse
Where: 213 N. Washington Street, Snow Hill
When: 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
Call: 443-234-5581
The Artful Bean renovates, enjoys the perks