Partner Profile: Mother & Daughter Duo Create Community at The Coffee Cup
After working in corporate accounting for 20 years, Danna Kienzl decided to take a chance to pursue a dream - running her own business. Specifically, a coffee shop.
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After working in corporate accounting for 20 years, Danna Kienzl decided to take a chance to pursue a dream - running her own business. Specifically, a coffee shop.
“It's something that I always wanted to do. Then this opportunity came up, and here I am.”
To prepare for this new venture, Danna worked as a coffee shop manager, learning the ins and outs of the business like inventory, bookkeeping, product sourcing, and more.
When she found the opportunity to open up her own shop in her hometown of Sarver, Danna didn’t hesitate. Her vision was simple- make a coffee shop so cozy that it feels like visiting a friend’s home.
“It's like coming into your house, you know, and I want people to be comfortable and enjoy their drinks.”
Mint green walls hung with local artists’ work, comfortable chairs, soft music and a deliciously tempting pastry case work together to create a welcoming, comfortable environment where you can catch up on emails or meet with a friend.
You’ll also find unique, local items for sale in different corners of the shop, including earrings handmade by Danna’s 70-year-old dentist.
“I want you to come back because you love what you’re getting. That’s what it’s all about.”
Danna works with her daughter, Shaylin, who she credits for coming up with the more creative elements of their menu. You’ll find exciting new menus for each season and holiday. Their “Mango Matcha” makes a refreshing summer drink, while the Peppermint Mocha is a holiday-season staple.
“I want the customers to really enjoy their drink,” said Danna. “I want you to come back because you love what you’re getting. That’s what it’s all about.”
These creative drinks start with investing in high-quality ingredients. The Coffee Cup worked with New Kensington’s Steel Cup Coffee Roasters to create its own “Flying Squirrel” blend, a medium-dark roast with notes of chocolate, plum, and wine.
“We put a lot of effort into the drinks and the syrups that we use; we use the 1873 syrups, which are from France.”
The mother-daughter duo also created their mascot, a friendly squirrel, which you’ll find represented throughout the shop, from the stuffed animal atop the barista bar to the designs on their merchandise.
“My next thing is, I want to have customers help name the squirrel!”
While Danna acknowledges the challenge of running a small business, she encourages anyone with a passion to open their own small business.
“Having your own business is wonderful; I say if anybody has that dream, they should pursue it.”
The Coffee Cup is located at 110 South Pike Road and is open Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Make sure to follow them on social media for the latest drink specials and hour updates.
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110 S. Pike Rd., Ste. 204 Sarver, PA 16055 (724) 524-1877 Website