Cape Coffee: Exploring the variety of options, atmospheres downtown

As the air turns cold, people crave something hot. For many, the cure for scratchy throats and shivering limbs is a cup of coffee.

In Cape Girardeau, there are many places to find a cup of coffee, and there are some individuals who have dedicated their careers to creating the prefect cup of joe.

For Patrick and Tina Abbott, owners of Cup 'N' Cork, their establishment as it is known today is a result of a culmination of events that is nothing short of a miracle, according Patrick Abbott. While the husband and wife were working two jobs a piece to keep their bills paid after they closed their restaurant in Sikeston, Mo., a quick stop in Cup 'N' Cork for a Mexican Coke a few years ago set the wheels in motion, which ended in them being able to call Cup 'N' Cork their own.

Two friends, Albert Priest and Allen Findley, have operated Socials Cafe and Catering for over six years, switching its location a few years ago. Currently open for lunch, the two plan to add dinner service to the cafe's services after the beginning of the year.

Robbie Britt, who owns Dynamite Coffee with his wife, Katie, has many years of experience in the coffee business. He encourages people in the community to take a risk in their coffee drinking and ask the barista questions about how their drink is being prepared. He hopes to take away the mystery behind coffee and help customers find something they enjoy drinking.

The local coffee shop owners took some time to share a little about why they enjoy the hustle and bustle of the coffee business.

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Tina Abbott pours steamed milk to espresso while making a latte, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013 at Cup 'N' Cork in downtown Cape Girardeau. (Laura Simon)

Name: Cup 'N' Cork, 46 N. Main St. in Cape Girardeau

Owners: Patrick and Tina Abbott

Date opened: Cup 'N' Cork has been in Cape Girardeau about 8 years. The Abbotts have owned the cafe since March 2012.

Popular drink: Their house blend coffee and, during the holiday season, their peppermint mochas

Do you like coffee?: Patrick Abbott, ironically, does not like the taste of coffee, but loves the smell and will drink mochas.

Best part of coffee and the coffee business, according to Patrick Abbott: When you gather people around a table with food and drinks, fantastic things happen. For example, friendships are made and loves are found. At a coffee house, people who matter talk about things that matter, and Cup 'N' Cork still is trying to hatch a piece of that.

Favorite part of owning your own business, according to Patrick Abbott: The chance to serve folks and bring them together. One of his philosophies is to provide customers a 'home away from home,' which gets lost in restaurants a lot.

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Allen Findley adds steamed milk to espresso while making a peppermint mocha, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013 at Socials Cafe in downtown Cape Girardeau. (Laura Simon)

Name: Socials Cafe and Catering, 31 N. Main St. in Cape Girardeau

Owners: Albert Priest and Allen Findley

Date opened: Socials opened April 2007 on the corner of Spanish and Themis streets. In July 2010, Socials moved to its location on Main Street.

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Popular drink: Snickers latte

Do you like coffee?: Priest does not like coffee, but his friend and business partner, Findley, does like coffee.

Favorite part of coffee and the coffee business, according to Priest: The coffee business is more laid back and chilled out, where people are able to "sip instead of guzzle."

Favorite part of owning your own business, according to Priest: It gives you the chance to do what you want to do. You're not fulfilling someone else's dream.

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Robbie and Katie Britt are owners of Dynamite Coffee, 206 Independence St., in Cape Girardeau. (Fred Lynch)

Name: Dynamite Coffee, 206 Independence St. in Cape Girardeau

Owners: Robbie and Katie Britt

Date opened: The Dynamite Coffee trailer opened December 2011 in front of West Park Mall. After moving to and operating at the Riverfront Market for two seasons, the Britts opened the coffee shop's permanent location on Independence Street.

Popular drink: Cappuccinos and cortados

Do you like coffee?: Robbie Britt "absolutely" likes coffee.

Best part of coffee and the coffee business, according to Robbie Britt: Coffee is enjoyed by all walks of life, no matter socioeconomic status, politics, religion, etc., and in other settings, the diverse individuals normally would not cross paths. "We try to foster that interaction. We don't force it." Dynamite Coffee encourages people to have fun, slow down and not take everything so seriously. The Britts are there to open their space and host and serve their customers and hopefully encourage social interaction.

Favorite part of owning your own business, according to Robbie Britt: The 'ah-ha' moment customers have when they are able to distinguish what type of coffee they prefer. "It's a pure and simple thing that I still enjoy -- being able to encourage people to try new things."

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