Hidden Gems: Meet Sharon and Nate Grenier of Coffee Connections

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon and Nate Grenier. 

Hi Sharon and Nate, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Nate and I, (Sharon) moved to Hilliard in 2013 with one mission in mind: to connect with people through a quality coffee experience. We relocated from Royersford, PA and changed careers in order to make this mission a reality. Previously Nate was a kid’s pastor, and I taught kindergarten! 

We’ve got four daughters 11 and under, and believe God never intended for us to live life alone. So, we wanted to create a coffee shop that was family-friendly, and a great place to connect with one another. Coffee Connections started as a catering company with a mobile coffee cart in 2014. We’d set up all around Hilliard– and at the new splash park in town. That led to the opportunity to open our first brick-and-mortar shop in the heart of downtown Old Hilliard on September 10, 2016. 

We focus on not only on always delivering a quality cup of coffee but also on building relationships with each and every one of our customers. We partner with over 15 other local businesses to make a shop a reality– our scones, cinnamon rolls, donuts and more all come from other awesome businesses in town. That’s because we believe we are BETTER TOGETHER. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Starting your own business is NOT for the faint of heart! It’s hard to start from the ground up. With nothing. But slowly, over time, when you are faithful and consistent you build a base of loyal customers. For us, that came through our motto of loving our neighbor and serving our city. We donate 100% of tips back to local non-profits. We regularly clean parks in our community. We’re fresh roasted coffee– but all about the people. As of last September, when we celebrated 5 years, we donated over $115,000 to non-profits! 

So, when the pandemic hit– we decided to focus on what we do best. Continue to encourage people one cup of coffee at a time. We started writing notes of encouragement on each cup we put outside during our mobile-only season. Notes like- you are awesome, yes you can, coffee helps— and more — we gave as a reminder that we aren’t alone. That despite the hard; we can preserve because God is faithful. In March 2020- we had 5 locations: Old Hilliard, Center Street market, inside the Hilliard Library, Plain City, and one on campus on North High Street. 

Due to the pandemic, our library and campus locations closed. Our plain city has reverted to entirely a mobile operation. We feel blessed and fortunate to have two shops still serving coffee every day, right in Hilliard. 

There’s always a struggle- staffing, pay, getting enough sales to meet all the bills. But slowly and surely God shows up! 

As you know, we’re big fans of Coffee Connections. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We’re a coffee shop! We roast our own coffee, and partner with over 15 businesses’ all over town to supply our baked goods and merchandise wall. So, when you support our business, you also support others too. It’s why we have always donated 100% of our tips– because together our little can go a long way in making a difference for others. We also cater and set up and maintain coffee setups in offices and other business. 

For us, it’s Fresh Roasted Coffee that’s All About the People. 

What’s next?
Right now, we’re super grateful to have survived the pandemic! We recently launched online subscription services– where we ship our fresh roasted coffee RIGHT to your door! And, we added Coffee with a Cause– where 25% of the sale of our coffee goes to support the cause you choose from our list of incredible organizations. It’s just another way we can love our neighbor and serve our city. 

Pricing:

• $35 a month equals 24 ounces of fresh roasted coffee shipped to your door, with our Coffee with a Cause Subscription! https://connections.coffee/product/coffee-with-a-cause/
• $55 a month gets you a coffee connections expereince box! Our fresh roasted coffee complete with tasting notes, house-made syrup, a note of encouragement, pastry from one of our partners, and a donation to our featured non-profit of the month! https://connections.coffee/product/coffee-expereince-box/
• Come check out our shop for coffee!

Contact Info:

• Email: info@connections.coffee
• Website: connections.coffee
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coffeeconnectionshilliard/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coffeeconnectionsofhilliard
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/coffeeconnectus
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1L-ywjByf68B1SLZdvM4sQ/featured
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/coffee-connections-of-hilliard-hilliard

Image Credits
Sharon Grenier
Sam and Grace Photography