LACIE SILVA
Writer
Drive up to The Southern Cup, a beloved coffee stand, and you’ll be greeted with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and a warm dose of southern hospitality. More than just a place to grab a quick caffeine fix, this cozy stand is a community hub where customers aren’t just served—they’re welcomed like family.
The Southern Cup was originally created by Candi and Josh Sowers, along with Chad and Pepper Grubbs, who played key roles in bringing the shop to life. Chad tackled the construction, zoning, and codes to make the dream a reality, and on August 24, 2016, the doors officially opened. Every year on August 24, The Southern Cup throws a big birthday bash, complete with free cookies to celebrate its special day.
In April 2021, Jen and Dan Buckner took over the reins, bringing with them a deep love for coffee and community. Jen’s passion for coffee began while running a church coffee shop at Gateway Church, where she worked as an Executive Secretary for Pastor Jason Daughdrill. Life took an unexpected turn when her father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, leading her to resign from her job to care for him in Indiana. After his passing, the opportunity to purchase The Southern Cup arose, and Jen knew it was God opening a door.
The Baristas Who Make It All Happen!
Behind every great coffee shop is a fantastic team, and The Southern Cup’s baristas are nothing short of family. The current crew includes:
– Brittany Hee – Manager and Barista
– Harley Rowell – Social Media Manager (and their son-in-law!)
– Patrick Bailey – Stocking and Delivery
– Summer Pritchard, Stephanie Bailey, Allison Rowell (their daughter), Lori Poole, and Dyxie Norris – The amazing baristas who make every cup with love!
This team can memorize customer drinks, serves with southern charm, and builds real relationships with the people who walk through the doors.
The Southern Cup isn’t just a business—it’s a mission to give back. The shop proudly offers free drinks to all First Responders and Animal Control and provides a 10% discount to Veterans. Schools and local organizations often receive donated coffee, and their first charity event raised $1,000 for Gateway Outdoors. Oh, and for the four-legged visitors? Pup cups are always free!
Over the years, Jen and Dan have calculated their giving, and the numbers are staggering:
– $70,000 worth of free drinks through their loyalty stamp program
– $25,000 in free drinks to First Responders
– Countless donations to animal control, school fundraisers, and other local causes
There’s always something exciting happening at The Southern Cup. From holiday specials to exclusive merchandise (think tumblers, beanies, baseball caps, sweatshirts, and T-shirts), they keep things fresh and fun!
Some fan-favorite weekly deals include:
– Happy Hour Wednesdays (12 PM – 1 PM) – $1 off all coffee and Lotus drinks
– Pastry Mondays – Buy a pastry, get a stamp on your loyalty card
– Double Stamp Tuesdays – Two stamps per drink, leading to a free 24oz drink faster!
With an overflowing menu of 150+ flavors, The Southern Cup offers hot and iced lattes, chai drinks, drip coffee, Lotus energy drinks, smoothies, frappes, teas, and refresher. There is something for every taste! And let’s not forget the delicious homemade pastries by Julie McRady from Bell Buckle, who collaborates with Jen to create fun, themed treats for every holiday.
The love for The Southern Cup stretches beyond its local roots. Customers drive in from Lynchburg, Murfreesboro, and surrounding areas just to get their coffee fix. And for those who don’t want to leave home? DoorDash has them covered!
At the end of the day, The Southern Cup is more than a coffee shop—it’s a community hub, a family, and a place that pours love into every cup. Whether you’re a regular, a first-time visitor, or just passing through, one thing’s for sure: you’ll leave with a great drink and an even better experience.
The Southern Cup is open Monday through Saturday from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., ready to serve up your favorite drinks with a smile. Whether you’re craving a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat, this community-driven coffee stand has something for everyone. Check out their full menu at www.thesoutherncup.com, or give them a call at (423) 790-4493 for any questions. Located at 810 N Main St, Shelbyville, TN 37160, The Southern Cup is the perfect spot to grab a delicious drink on the go. Swing by soon and experience the joy, flavor, and heart behind this local favorite!
