News Summary
The University of South Carolina Development Foundation has secured the beloved Cool Beans Coffee Co. at 1217 College Street, ensuring its future in the community. The acquisition, finalized in November 2024, means coffee lovers can continue to enjoy their favorite brews as no immediate changes are planned for the iconic spot. Owner Kitty Mirosavich, a USC alum, is excited about the shop’s future. This purchase is part of USC’s broader development strategy, which aims to enhance the student experience and support local businesses.
Exciting Changes in Columbia: University of South Carolina Expands its Reach!
Columbia is buzzing with news that local favorite, Cool Beans Coffee Co., will continue to serve its delicious brews for years to come, thanks to a new property transaction by the University of South Carolina (USC) Development Foundation. They’ve successfully snagged the property at 1217 College Street, where Cool Beans has been a beloved spot since 1997. That’s almost 30 years of coffee, friends!
Location, Location, Location!
This prime location is just a stone’s throw away from USC’s historic Horseshoe, which makes it a regular stop for students and faculty alike. The property purchase was officially recorded in November 2024, according to Richland County property tax records. And what does this mean for coffee lovers in the area? One thing is certain: it’s business as usual at Cool Beans!
Details of the Purchase
USC Development Foundation President Jason Caskey shared the excitement about the purchase, revealing that the foundation jumped at the chance to secure the future of Cool Beans. He reassured patrons that there are currently no immediate plans for changes to the property. How great is that? It seems like the foundation is focused on making sure that this local gem remains a vibrant part of the community!
Cool Beans Continues to Brew
For those unfamiliar, Cool Beans is owned by Kitty Mirosavich, a proud USC alum who actually worked at the coffee shop while she was a student! Talk about a full-circle moment! After earning her degree, she took the leap to purchase Cool Beans, and she’s also behind the College Grounds Café, which shares the same building. It’ll be exciting to see how both businesses thrive as they continue to serve coffee enthusiasts day in and day out.
Looking Ahead
Mirosavich confirmed that Cool Beans is “rolling along” and there are absolutely no plans to relocate. Comforting news for those who count on this coffee shop! With its cozy atmosphere and delightful beverages, it’s a staple for many students looking to fuel up for those long study sessions. You can grab a cup of coffee or perhaps a snack, and find a cozy corner to relax into. Cheers to that!
Foundation’s Broader Vision
The USC Development Foundation isn’t stopping at just Cool Beans. They’ve been busy acquiring properties to ensure that their growth and development plans, as outlined in the university’s Master Plan USC Next, are firmly in place. Earlier in 2024, they purchased the Hunter-Gatherer Brewery at 900 Main Street, which is also not far from Cool Beans and will contribute to the area’s overall development. Just think of it—having both a coffee shop and a brewery close by! What a perfect combo for a weekend outing!
What Comes Next?
The foundation currently owns several parcels along College Street, such as 901 Sumter Street, 1211 College Street, and 820 Main Street. With such a diverse portfolio of properties, it seems they are committed to enhancing the student experience at USC while also promoting local businesses that resonate with the community.
In the end, this purchase is more than just a real estate transaction; it’s an assurance to the people of Columbia that Cool Beans Coffee Co. has a bright future ahead. As coffee lovers sip their favorites, they can feel good about supporting a business that is integrated with the university’s growth plans. So, whether you’re a USC student seeking a caffeine fix or a local resident indulging in a casual meet-up, Cool Beans is here to stay. Cheers!
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Additional Resources
- The State: Local News
- Wikipedia: University of South Carolina
- Post and Courier: USC Gamecocks Beverage Lab
- Google Search: University of South Carolina
- Washington Post: Cuban Black Bean Soup
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coffee
- Style Blueprint: University of Tennessee SEC
- Google News: Coffee Shops in South Carolina
- The State: Business News
- Google Scholar: University of South Carolina Development Foundation
- Newsweek: Millennial Generation
- Wikipedia: Barista
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