When sisters-in-law Samantha Rowsey, Erin James, and Jessie Hoke opened Cool Beans Coffee, they were looking to start a business their rural community of Imboden needed.
With the nearest coffee place 20 miles away, they decided to open a mobile coffee drive-thru.
Laura Miller of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at Arkansas State University assisted the owners with startup advice and market research. The research included traffic counts for the area and other insightful data. Miller also shared information on selecting, hiring, and onboarding employees.
“Working with Laura with ASBTDC was such a monumental help! She equipped us with the knowledge of what we needed to do financially and legally to get our business started. She also provided us with facts and tips pertaining to the coffee business, as well as demographics from our area to help with pricing, etc. She was always on standby to help with questions, and followed up to check in with us when we got started. We can’t thank her enough,” said Rowsey.
As with many businesses that opened the past two years, the owners ran into significant challenges with supply chain delays and obtaining licenses. They persisted, and Cool Beans opened in August 2022.
Their beverages include hot, iced, and frozen coffee drinks, fruity “Go-Go Juices,” flavored lemonades, and hot teas.
The new business has 15 employees – four full-time and 11 part-time.
When asked about advice they would give to others starting a business, Rowsey says, “At first, it will seem like there are a million and one things that need to be done before you can start your business. It can be so overwhelming. Take it one task at a time, and one day at a time. It always pays off in the end.”
The ASBTDC is ready to help you make your dream a reality! Call on us.
Keep up with Cool Beans on Instagram and Facebook.
Looks great and I’m sure taste great! Congratulations and Good luck in your venture! Imboden people are so nice!