Tina Smith served coffee to other people for years as a Starbucks employee.
During that time and afterward, Smith also dreamed of one day owning her own coffee shop.
That dream became a reality Thursday when representatives from the Chemung County Chamber of Commerce and other supporters joined Smith for the official opening of her new business, Holy Grounds Coffee Shop.
Smith was working for a Starbucks in Oklahoma City when she and her husband, a Watkins Glen native and construction company owner, moved to the Elmira area to be closer to several relatives.
The goal of opening her own home was strong even then, but it took another eight years before it finally came to fruition, said Smith, who said all the hard work was worth it.
“Oh my god, it doesn’t feel real,” she said. “I’m here fourteen hours a day and it doesn’t bother me. I have a broken foot, but that doesn’t stop me. I enjoy everything we do. It’s a labor of love.”
It didn’t hurt that Smith had some connections in the construction industry.
Her husband and his company did all the renovation work on the former Elmira Savings Bank branch, she said.
Holy Grounds is not only locally owned and operated, but also offers locally sourced coffee beans and other products, including breakfast, lunch and snacks.
“We are so happy and so proud of you,” said Jennifer Herrick-McGonigal, president of the Chemung County Chamber of Commerce, as she welcomed Smith as the chamber’s newest member.
The coffee shop’s motto is “Every cup is a hug in a mug” and Smith said she wants customers to not only enjoy a delicious cup of coffee, but also feel at home.
Smith has six employees and they were busy serving a crowd of customers Thursday morning.
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Smith said she is overwhelmed by the support.
“I got 2,200 followers (on Facebook) in just nine weeks,” she said. “I’m very grateful to the community.”
For more information about Holy Grounds Coffee Shop, including hours and contact information, visit Holygroundscoffeeshopelmira.com or facebook.com/HolyGroundsCoffeeShop.
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This article originally appeared in the Elmira Star-Gazette: New Elmira Holy Grounds Coffee Shop offers locally sourced products
