Today we’d like to introduce you to Krissy Drake
Krissy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My coffee discovery journey started well before I ever opened my own cafe. When I was a teenager, I would always go out and grab some trendy drink, which over time turned into a love for the versatility and art of coffee. I always dreamt of owning my own coffee shop one day but when I had my first child, that dream grew into Cafe 127. I suddenly felt the need for a space that’s built for families. A coffee shop that was upscale with locally-crafted drinks for the adults while also creating a fun, energizing area for the kids to get their wiggles out. After having my second child, this dream of mine because a need. A need I felt deep in my heart and I took a risk assuming there were other mommas out there who felt like this too. It’s been my absolute pleasure to watch other parents and grandparents alike enjoy a much-needed mental break while their kids play in a monitored Play Area. We pride ourselves for serving locally-roasted coffee, house-made foods, and using primarily organic ingredients, but creating an inviting space for families is our proudest achievement.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Waiting for the perfect retail space to open up was our biggest hurdle starting up. It’s what lead us to experimenting with pop-ups and a coffee trailer, which ended up providing us with time to perfect our drink recipes, menu, and goals. Two years since starting the company, we are open for business in our own brick and mortar, and I’m immensely proud of that. At this time, we also still operate the coffee trailer for events. As a whole, the journey has been unique and exciting, and I really can’t complain; everybody we meet has been nothing short of supportive and encouraging.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Cafe 127 we specialize in hand-crafted coffee and espresso beverages made from locally-roasted coffee and our vast menu of house-made pastries and quick bites. Our cafe features an enclosed, staff-monitored Play Area for littles to run around and play while their families enjoy their coffee break in our main cafe seating area. There is a glass wall to unite the two rooms and create a space for the entire family.
Our name comes from 1 Samuel 1:27 which says, “For this child I have prayed and the Lord has granted the provisions of my heart.” It’s a verse Krissy heard a lot while on her journey trying to become a mother. This verse perfectly blends the idea of Cafe 127 being a communal space for all. It’s also why Cafe 127’s logo features a coffee cup (representing the adult) and a juice box (representing the child).
The goal of our company is to make sure everybody feels like they have a space where they feel welcomed. No matter what season of life or parenthood you’re in, you’re welcome at Cafe 127.
Our Play Area brings in a slightly more niche clientele than most coffeeshops, which we love. So often parents feel like they have to choose between their wants and their child’s wants. Here, we combine the two so everybody’s happy.
How do you think about luck?
I’m one of those people who doesn’t contribute much to luck. I trust God has a plan, He gave us free will, and if you mix that with lots of hard work and perseverance, you can accomplish a lot. It also helps that I’ve lived in the area almost 30 years so our personal connections have come in handy as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cafe127.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecafe127
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/thecafe127
