Recently spent an extended weekend sight-seeing in the Queen City (Charlotte, NC). My husband LOVES coffee and I am always intrigued about small business so this sign in the lobby where we were lodging caught our eye.

Saturday arrived and after yoga, we sought out the pop-up shop for Queen City Grounds. We were greeted by three members of the parliament, who engaged us about their coffee, other beverages, and food stuffs mentioning their clientele prefers healthy options so the baked goods were GF (gluten-free) and V (vegan). As we ordered, our selections were being entered into their POS (point of sale) system on a tablet ready for an efficient check out. Simultaneously, a team member pointed out they were conducting a survey, directing us to their QR code on a sign and with one click, I began answering questions while Roaster, Paul Waggoner of Nightflyer Roastworks prepared a pour-over coffee. Then off we went with sips and snacks in hand but not after getting their recommendations on restaurants and things to do while in town.

First impressions matter.
After such a positive experience, I looked up Queen City Grounds on Facebook to learn more, realizing the pop-up is the precursor to a storefront. Being a small business owner with an affinity for startups, I was impressed by their business model and headed back to chat before they closed to learn more about their back-story. The approach these wise owls are taking to launch their small business is remarkable and without a doubt, their business will soar.

Oh, by the way, I had an exquisite chai with macadamia nut milk!