Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyona Shcherbina.
Hi Alyona, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. and worked as a trauma Registered Nurse for several years. In 2019 my husband Aleksey was visiting from Missouri with a group of friends, and we met on a hike in the Rocky Mountains. Soon after, we were married and moved to Nelson, Missouri. For a few years, we slowly fell increasingly in love with our countryside life. Raising cattle, riding horses, hunting, fishing, sourcing our field for homemade elderberry syrup, teas, foggy sunrises, breathtaking sunsets, and making a Purple Martin sanctuary; all of that gave us a deep sense of wholeness. With friendly neighbors, gorgeous scenery, and opportunity, we decided we wanted to stay. After COVID hit, the previous business put up the building for sale.
A 5-minute drive to work sounded great! We decided to make a Quick-service but Quality Quick-service Restaurant with Specialty Coffee. We traveled to Boston, MA, for the annual Specialty Coffee Association Conference and began to narrow down exactly what we wanted to do by learning from the best in the world! Our family often makes road trips, and we are constantly on the lookout for a wholesome meal for ourselves and our babies (we have a 2.5-year-old and a 7-month-old), but unfortunately are not able to find anything most of the time. Cooper’s Coffee + Eatery wants to provide that option for travelers from near and far. We strive to give travelers a wholesome option; a quality sandwich, soup, coffee, or drink, and feel great the rest of their trip or day. Something that will truly recharge them and keep them going further and longer! As registered nurses and farmers, we know that what you eat determines your short-term and long-term outcomes and affects your performance more than anything. It’s time to give people what they want. And we are so excited to stand behind Cooper’s Coffee + Eatery as it helps propel people further and stronger! We plan to connect closely with the community we are in to become 100% farm-to-table eventually. We dream of serving the best in ingredients this way and supporting our small local community!
Would it have been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was challenging to get rolling. We had a new baby after only 3 months of construction and another 2-year-old. The family has, and always will be, a big priority for us, so starting a business with our hands already full was difficult. We were lucky to have found an amazing construction crew, and we were able to complete the task as a team! It was a challenge in the highest order, but teamwork made the dream work! Also, working in a completely different field of work was difficult. Going from being an RN to an entrepreneur almost felt like university and nursing school all over again. We went to Coffee Conferences and connected with other restaurant owners frequently. It was possible with God’s hand, advice from experts, and hard work!
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Cooper’s Coffee + Eatery?
Cooper’s Coffee + Eatery is everything you ever wanted. Family and woman-owned. Specialty coffee, gourmet sandwiches, wholesome soups, freshly-baked pastries, and farm-to-table dishes. Quick service with Drive-thru, Gran n’ Go, and Dine-in options. Call ahead, and we can prepare everything in advance! Our restaurant was designed with kids and families in mind. We have baby-changing stations in both men’s and women’s bathrooms, high chairs, and plenty of space for families, big or small, to enjoy and recharge! The bathrooms are always clean and will most definitely exceed your expectations! There is a very comfortable Dog Park with an opportunity for dog or cat owners to let their four-legged babies stretch their legs. Ask for a Pup Cup! truckers are warmly welcome to join us. We have a large space available for Truck Parking and plenty of space for the trucker to take a break. We aim to help everyone get the recharge they need! Need some Instagram or Facebook content? We have that as well. Our space was designed with style and unique elements. Come check it out for yourself! A gem of Missouri! We run our business with an effort to build our local community. When hiring, we reached out to the locals first to provide an opportunity for the young people in the area. To reduce waste and close the loop, we package and transport extra foods and drinks of the day to local older adults. We provide a physical place for people in the area to meet, gather, and spend time together. Our business model is people-driven. Our passion is people. It is our honor and pleasure to provide an oasis to travelers from near and far!
What do you think about happiness?
What makes us the happiest is family. After a long day, there is nothing better than getting a tight squeeze from your spouse or baby. Any stress seems to roll right off. They can keep you going forever! Also, we love to connect with people. As a Registered Nurse, I loved getting to know people, hearing their stories and passions, and serving them. In a restaurant setting, I am given the same opportunity. People stop by from different backgrounds and places, and it’s amazing to hear about it! Every single person has so much to offer the world! It is such a privilege to connect!
Pricing:
- $1-10 is our average menu prices
- Free Truck Parking
- Military Discount
- Bring Your Own Cup Discount
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cooperseatery.com
- Instagram: @cooperscoffee_eatery
- Facebook: Cooper’s Coffee + Eatery
- Yelp: Cooper’s Coffee + Eatery
