Irish for \u201ca good start is half the work,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe\u2019ve always tried to visit the coffee houses wherever we were stationed,\u201d said Chris. \u201cFor 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe both said Tullahoma needs a coffeehouse,\u201d said Denise. \u201cBut 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe pondered what to do with the burned-out building behind us,\u201d said Chris. \u201cWe couldn’t disguise it; we couldn’t hide it. Serendipitously, the owners put the house up for sale, and we bought it.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPeople come in, and for a while, they forget they\u2019re 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,\u201d remarked Chris. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Coffee, company, and community<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSince day one, our motto has been \u2018Great Coffee \u2014 Great Company \u2014 Great Community!\u2019\u201d said Chris. \u201cGreat Coffee is what we serve. Great Company is [the] business we operate and manage and the people we keep within our doors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By bringing people together for fellowship over coffee, we help build a Great Community.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe started with specialty coffee because we’re first and foremost a coffee house,\u201d explained Denise. \u201cThen 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\u2019ve 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.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Go n-eir\u00ed an t-\u00e1dh leat (May luck may rise with you)! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s 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 <\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" “Have you ever heard of the third place?\u201d When first hearing those words, you might think it\u2019s 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, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":15862,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15855","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-feature"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/DSC09627-1024x683.jpg\")
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