Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabe and Alyssa Beck
Hi Gabe and Alyssa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
When we moved to Memphis in spring of 2021, we knew it would be a huge adjustment. Gabe was starting his
Doctor of Optometry program at Southern College of Optometry, and we had very little familiarity with Memphis as a city; but as two people who highly value connection and adaptability, we were determined to find a place in our new city and to love it! That said, we started by doing what we always do: finding all the best coffee shops and “coffee shop hopping” our way around town. This was the kickstart of what now is known as “Coffee Shop Hoppers” and of our place in the coffee community here.
Out of that beginning came our Instagram presence and the annual Memphis Summer Coffee Shop Hop, now in its third year.
The Memphis Summer Coffee Shop Hop is summer-long initiative in which participants get a stamp card with roughly 15 shops represented on it. With that card, they can “hop” to at least 10 of those shops before the end date to complete their card and redeem a free coffee at one of the shops they visited. We will often incorporate giveaways and coffee-related events into the summer as well. The Hop was designed to encourage people to visit new shops, share the experience with friends, and buy into our vision of loving our city!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We are blessed that the Memphis coffee scene is such a collaborative and creative community! This has made it so easy to jump in and be a part, especially in launching the summer Coffee Shop Hop.
Some of the greatest challenges, as you can imagine, have been in growing our platform on social media to get the word out. We are also determined for everything we do to benefit all who are involved (coffee shops and patrons) as much as possible, which often includes some trial and error.
Another challenge has been in developing a program that is self-supporting financially, while still allowing for growth.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
If we could describe the vision of the Coffee Shop Hoppers in one word, it would simply be, “connection.” We love people; we love coffee; we love Memphis! Starting the Memphis Summer Coffee Shop Hop was our way of encouraging everyone around to share the love and support local. It is a new concept in the area, but the community has jumped in and adopted it with so much gusto. Honestly, we are just proud to say that it has been successful and growing—all thanks to each participating shop, our sponsor at Grind City Coffee Xpo, and all the lovely people who “hop” with us every year. 🙂
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
If you dream up a way to support your community and share some positivity, just do it! With a well-developed plan and the right people behind your vision, you can make it happen.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
James Reid, NJR Visuals
