Throughout the U.S., COVID-19 has closed numerous restaurants, either for a short period or permanently. Although the future for the foodservice industry looks like dire straits, new places are opening their doors against overwhelming economic odds. First-time owners are putting their best food forward in meeting health and safety requirements as a result of the pandemic, and steering through the ethical issues of employing staff. Among them here in Texas is the Tumbleweed and Sage Coffeehouse.
Located in Wolfforth, just outside of Lubbock, Texas, the Tumbleweed and Sage Coffeehouse is owned and operated by Cole and Destiny Adams, a couple with a background in politics and a passion for coffee. In an interview, we were able to touch base with the newly operable business to ask some key questions about opening during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Photo: Tumbleweed and Sage Coffeehouse
Texas Media Group (TMG): What is your background in the coffee house industry, or what was the passion that brought you into it?
Destiny Adams: “We worked in politics for six years and were able to travel the country. While working the harsh hours that politics demanded, we were able to try a diverse group of coffeehouses. It grew our passion into something more and our house started filling up with various coffee equipment. Then we decided to take our hobby to the next level and open our own shop.”
TMG: What inspired you to take this step?
Destiny Adams: “We were born and raised in the Lubbock community and love West Texas. We wanted to have a communal space where people could come educate themselves about coffee in a welcoming and warm environment.”
TMG: What prompted you to go ahead and open during the pandemic?
Destiny Adams: “This is our dream, and we had months of planning that took place. We opened because we knew that if we could survive this, we could survive anything.”
TMG: What products does the coffee house offer?
Destiny Adams: “Our most popular items are our iced lattes, cold brew, and frozen hot cocoa. We also sell out of our hand pies and Danishes daily.”
TMG: How are you finding the public response has been to your opening?
Destiny Adams: “We are blessed to be a part of West Texas community. The community has been amazing and gave us the best welcome possible.”
Photo: Tumbleweed and Sage Coffeehouse
When many food and coffee services had to close due to COVID-19, the Tumbleweed and Sage Coffeehouse opened to a grateful group of customers, ensuring effective social distancing in the process. It’s extremely hard for small businesses to shut down for a few months and not do anything, let alone pre-plan for a grand opening only to have to sit still and think about it. The new owners, like many of us, have bills to pay, including investments, financing, and product that can’t sit for long periods of time.
Photo: Tumbleweed and Sage Coffeehouse
Having planned for space in a brick-and-mortar business also requires some forethought in terms of a COVID-19 pandemic opening. Weighing out the economic pros and cons for small Texas businesses has become the norm as of late. New business owners must rely on social and digital media, now more than ever, to spread the word about their opening. Having your business opening being heard above the noise on social media is a feat in and of itself. With local customers going ever more digital in their purchasing decisions as well, it has helped to accelerate the plans of many new businesses.
Photo: Tumbleweed and Sage Coffeehouse
It’s that strong passion and spirit which has allowed small businesses such as the Tumbleweed and Sage Coffeehouse to open with little staff, delaying further hirings until they can consistently afford it. They’ve also set out their offerings in a streamlined fashion to better facilitate easy purchase decisions by customers. At the outset of a new business, ramping up toward being busy and growing allows the businesses flexibility in a changing economic situation. Opening during the COVID-19 pandemic has offered many others hope and a positive energy, as opposed to the often-bleak message that the mainstream media has broadcast. For Tumbleweed and Sage Coffeehouse, the future is hopefully a bright one!
