SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Cuppa Grace Cafe and Coffee Shop, a popular spot in Sylacauga, recently opened its new location inside Coosa Valley Medical Center (CVMC). The grand opening took place on Wednesday, June 7, marking a significant milestone for the business and its owner, Jacintha Hay.
The idea of opening a coffee shop at the hospital had been discussed for about three years, but various circumstances, including the COVID-19 pandemic, had delayed those discussions.
However, at the beginning of this year, the opportunity arose, and Hay and her team eagerly embraced it. The process of setting up the new location involved a lot of hard work, with CVMC staff providing support and equipment from the recently closed Childersburg branch of Cuppa Grace needing transport to Sylacauga.
The addition of a coffee shop within the hospital was something CVMC hierarchy had been keen on, and Hay expressed her gratitude towards the fact that she was approached.
“Everybody [at CVMC] has been so welcoming and open,” said Hay, “and we’re just excited to be able to be here.”
The new Cuppa Grace location at Coosa Valley Medical Center operates from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, catering to the hospital’s staff and visitors. Their new setup is attached to the CVMC Auxilliary Gift Shop in the main lobby.
“We’re calling this our satellite office,” Hay said. “We just don’t have much space here. We don’t have the extensive menu or the syrups. We do have some counter items here like the chicken salad and pastry items.”
Given the hospital’s round-the-clock operations, there are talks of potentially introducing a second, late-night shift in the future.
In addition to the new hospital location, Cuppa Grace is also planning a relocation of its main shop. The business has outgrown its current building after eight successful years, and Hay has long envisioned expanding.
Cuppa Grace will be moving to the former Odie’s Deli location just a couple blocks away on N Broadway Ave. The move is expected to happen within the next two months, with renovations and cosmetic changes currently underway.
As for the downtown location, it will remain open until the new venue is ready. According to Hay, there might be a brief shutdown during the transition period to facilitate the move.
“Fingers crossed, we’ll be ready in two months,” Hay expressed. “By the time school starts [back], we hopefully will be over there.”
Hay plans to expand the menu once acclimated to the new location, including bringing back french fries, adding more breakfast options, and potentially introducing a salad bar.
With a new location at CVMC and plans for a larger venue on the horizon, patrons of Cuppa Grace can look forward to enjoying their favorite beverages and treats in more spacious and convenient settings.
