“Have you ever heard of the third place?” When first hearing those words, you might think it’s a trendy new club opening in Nashville. However, the third place is actually a type of establishment rather than the name of one, and they happen in small towns all across this country.
Coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, the third place refers to those places where people spend their time between home (their first place) and work (their second place). Those locations allow us to exchange ideas, have a good time, build relationships, and strengthen our sense of community.
Denise and Chris Smith have established their coffee house, The Celtic Cup, as a well-known third place here in Tullahoma. It offers writers a quiet spot for creativity, friends a place to catch up over coffee, an ideal meeting spot for local businesses, groups, and clubs and a welcomed respite for the weary traveler looking for something to nourish the body and warm the soul.
Tús maith leath na hoibre
Irish for “a good start is half the work,” it is valuable wisdom that tells us that getting started is essential to any great journey, no matter the distance. Upon moving to Tullahoma due to a military reassignment, Denise and Chris sought out the local coffee shop. Moving often, due to frequent reassignments, the couple enjoyed engaging with local coffee spots to connect with their new community quickly.
“We’ve always tried to visit the coffee houses wherever we were stationed,” said Chris. “For us, it’s a way of understanding the community. When we were stationed here at Arnold [Air Force Base], we were surprised to learn that Tullahoma had no such place.”
When it came time for another reassignment, the Smiths decided that staying in Tullahoma was best for their family. Chris commuted to NASA in Huntsville, and they raised their children in the town that they now call home. Nearing retirement, Chris and Denise wanted to do something together for their new hometown; thus, their journey to establish a third place began.
“We both said Tullahoma needs a coffeehouse,” said Denise. “But before we did anything, we attended the American Barista and Coffee School in Portland, Oregon, to learn the history, passion, and art of specialty coffee and the business aspects of running a coffee house. Then we came back home and started looking for a place to build our dream.”
After looking at several spots around town without any luck, they learned an old fruit stand property on the corner of East Lincoln and North Anderson Streets was for sale. The couple purchased the property and were elated about finding a location for their future business venture together. However, they were unsure what to do with the eyesore in the adjoining lot.
“We pondered what to do with the burned-out building behind us,” said Chris. “We couldn’t disguise it; we couldn’t hide it. Serendipitously, the owners put the house up for sale, and we bought it.”
Working their magic with a keen ability to adapt, the Smiths worked tirelessly to transform this burned-out building into the Irish-themed creation it is today. The revamped 1928 Craftsman-style house pays homage to its original style and the Tudor manor concept they would build on the corner lot. True to its heritage, it has both touches of Irish and Scottish accents throughout. It is truly like stepping across the pond and back into another time.
“People come in, and for a while, they forget they’re in Tullahoma. While there are so many wonderful things about Tullahoma, it’s neat that our customers are able to have that kind of experience,” remarked Chris.
Coffee, company, and community
“Since day one, our motto has been ‘Great Coffee — Great Company — Great Community!’” said Chris. “Great Coffee is what we serve. Great Company is [the] business we operate and manage and the people we keep within our doors.
By bringing people together for fellowship over coffee, we help build a Great Community.”
While The Celtic Cup is widely known for its coffee, it has also made a name for itself with a unique menu featuring delicious items such as Scotch Eggs, Irish Rarebits, savory and sweet scones, hearty soups, delicious gelato, and much more.
“We started with specialty coffee because we’re first and foremost a coffee house,” explained Denise. “Then we started small with three types of scones or other baked goods. We intentionally kept it small while we learned more [about] our ancestry, heritage, and culinary aspects. As we’ve traveled with our own travel company, taking people to visit Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England, we better learn what is served inside their coffee shops and cafes and what would be good to bring back home. I also [researched] authentic Irish and Scottish cookbooks with trial and error to build that part of our menu.”
According to Denise, all items are prepared fresh and with the utmost care and attention. She and Chris are excited to keep adding new and exciting things to their menu to always give their customers a true and new Celtic experience.
Go n-eirí an t-ádh leat (May luck may rise with you)!
Now, with 14 years under their belt, the Smiths continue to look forward to welcoming both old and new customers into their unique establishment. New things are on the horizon, and they are excited to share with those who stop by. For Denise and Chris, a seat is always open, and there’s something warm (or cool) to drink, whether in a quiet nook or at a crowded table of friends. Their only requirement is to enjoy your time spent in your third place. GN
