Well-wishers filled The Coffee Shop in downtown Humboldt as the Humboldt Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting Thursday for a grand re-opening.

The new owners almost took the franchise route, but fell in love with the space and atmosphere at 1405 Main Street and changed their plans.

Justin Romero and Lauren Martin, both from Dyersburg, share a passion for coffee and gatherings. While Martin was working part-time at The Coffee Shop, the two had planned to bring a restaurant franchise to Jackson.

Now that their path has taken a different direction, it’s time to build up staff, expand hours, and carry on their mission of providing good coffee, good food, and a place for good friends to meet.

There are some changes to the current operating hours.

“Starting the first Sunday in February, we’re adding Sunday brunch and will soon be adding night hours, except for Sundays,” Martin said.

Currently, The Coffee Shop is open from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, but Mondays will soon be added back to the schedule. Romero and Martin are hiring now for all shifts.

The Coffee Shop is already a place to meet for several area groups, including “the painting club, the kayak club, book club,” Romero said.

The space is also open for parties, baby and bridal showers, meetings, and other gatherings.

The new owners also want to bring in more local musicians.  Romero said the former owners established a great foundation, and he and Martin want to make improvements without making major changes.

The Coffee Shop has a Facebook Page or can be reached at [email protected], or by phone at (731) 337-4100.