THE RICH scent of fresh coffee mixes with the sweetness of warm baked goods — a delightful welcome as you push open the chocolate brown door of this cozy establishment. As you step inside, your eyes travel across Celtic artwork and decor adorning the walls. Gentle conversations harmonize with the soft traditional Irish folk music in the background, setting the perfect tone for your day. A woman with a kind smile greets you from behind the counter.
“Welcome to The Celtic Cup,” she enthuses, her voice a perfect match to the inviting aroma that permeates the room.
Stepping into this coffeehouse is like strolling into a charming Celtic market filled with unique treasures like scarves, hats, jewelry, mugs, honey, and tea. It’s a portal into another world right here in Tennessee.
As military nomads, Chris and Denise Smith had found a sense of community and connection in coffee shops across different location-based assignments.
“The United States Air Force brought us to Arnold Air Force Base in 1999. On every new assignment, we would search out the community coffeehouse to get the vibe of our new ‘home,’” Chris remarked.
However, upon arriving in Tullahoma, they noticed something was missing. The town lacked the warm, welcoming space they were looking for.
Chris explained, “When we arrived in Tullahoma, we couldn’t find one… and we thought, ‘Tullahoma needs a coffee house!’”
Determined to fill that gap, they embarked on a journey of planning and learning about the coffee industry and searching for the perfect location, culminating in the opening of The Celtic Cup in 2009.
For the first 13 years, Denise ran the day-to-day operations while Chris worked two jobs: his day job and then at the coffee house every morning, night, and weekend. Now that Chris has retired for a second time, he works full time, baking and managing the kitchen and business affairs, while Denise does specialty baking and manages the staff.
The couple began their renovation project in the fall of 2008, holding their grand opening the following year on March 17, 2009 — just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.
The “Auld World Atmosphere” enveloping The Celtic Cup is a blend of the original vision of a Tudor manor and the inherent Craftsman style of the 1928 building the couple eventually acquired. The result is an inviting ambiance reminiscent of an old Irish pub (public house), which is a place where folks indulge in Cetlic food and drinks, delighting themselves in conversation as the Auld (a term used by Scots meaning “old”) spirit embraces them like a warm hug.
Denise, the self-proclaimed recipe tester and refiner, has graced the menu with her passion for traditional Irish and Scottish fare. The menu is a love letter to Celtic flavors with a twist. She has taken classic dishes like Scotch eggs and reimagined them for health-conscious palates.
Instead of being deep-fried, the eggs are baked, preserving the creamy goodness. The Rueben, a local favorite, boasts a quarter-pound of savory corned beef piled high on toasted rye, creating a symphony of textures and flavors in every bite.
Chris and Denise are passionate about their heritage and have partnered with the North American Celtic Trade Association, bringing a touch of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England to Tullahoma through unique goods like scarves, jewelry, hats, mugs, honey, tea, and more.
“We love having the opportunity to actually meet the makers in their homelands and learn what inspires them and what drives them to make quality goods,” said Chris.
The couple offers folks in the community the unique opportunity to personally experience the magic of these countries through guided tours. Partnering with Córas Iompair Éireann Tours International, they offer curated adventures to Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, and Iceland. These trips are perfect opportunities for deeper cultural immersion, personally hosted by Chris and Denise.
As The Celtic Cup celebrated its 15th anniversary in March, Chris and Denise reflected on the journey with humility and satisfaction. Through highs and lows, they’ve stood as the local “third place,” witnessing and sharing the joys and sorrows of their guests — from weddings to birthdays and celebrations to reflections.
The blend of culinary delights, authentic imports, community engagement, and curated adventures make The Celtic Cup a unique experience for all who walk through its doors. Whether you’re a local seeking a familiar place to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee or a traveler yearning for a taste of Celtic bliss, visit The Celtic Cup! You might just find yourself lingering longer than you planned, savoring the experience and delicious Celtic delights. Slainte Mhath! (“Good health!”) GN
