Chloe’s Cup opened its doors in April with more than just coffee in mind. The coffee is 100 percent organic, including the espressos, but the quality only begins there. Located downtown at 2117 University Boulevard, Chloe’s Cup uses coffee from Costa Rica, Rwanda, Sumatran Gayo-Mountains and El Salvador. The exchange is a result of a fair trade program focused on improving the quality of life in each respective region.
In Rwanda, the core of the co-operative is 650 farmers, many of whom are widows and orphans of the 1994 genocide. This Bourbon coffee bean is a best-seller at Chloe’s, and provides these farmers with a suitable living.
Gail Faulkner, a resident of Tuscaloosa for many years, runs the shop with the help of her daughter. The shop is named after Faulkner’s granddaughter Chloe. They take great pride in the coffee exchange.
“In the very best coffees, there is an expression of determination and good intention of all those who feed the process. When the people are happy, the coffee tastes better,” Faulkner said. “Our prices are competitive, and our coffee is the best.”
Each of the four main roasts has unique stories, but Gail’s focus is not just abroad. Covering the shop’s walls are multiple pictures from local artist Tish Blackwood, depicting shops and familiar spots around town. Each work is for sale to help Blackwood pursue her dream.
“It is very important for local businesses to be active in the community, and we want to do all we can,” Faulkner said.
In addition to displaying local art, Faulkner plans to start a music night with a spotlight on music majors at the University. Naomi Mckinney works at Chloe’s as a barista, and plans to play the bassoon to start off the music night. The first of these musical performances is tentatively scheduled for this fall.
In store, Chloe’s uses real mugs to serve their coffee, not paper cups. They also prepare gift baskets for men and women, and sell a variety of coffee mugs and scented candles. They also sell coffee by the pound, and ground it upon request.
Chloe’s sells a variety of homemade pastries and foods, including muffins, cakes, hummus, salads and chicken salad, which is their most popular item. With a continued emphasis on freshness, everything is made daily, including freshly cut fruit.
Chloe’s also has a student’s budget in mind. They offer a free refill in-store for a regular cup, and two free refills for a large cup. Free wireless Internet is also available.
“We offer a quiet place for students to study for hours, and not spend too much,” Faulkner said. “A coffee shop, when it’s done right, should be relaxed and let your cares slip away when you enter. That’s why I opened this place.”
The shop’s hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. The only exception is Tuesday when they open at 9 a.m. Business is going well despite the downtown construction, and Faulkner is optimistic about local support.
“I think once the construction is finished, people won’t avoid the area, and business will improve,” she said. “ Anyone can make a profit, but focusing on quality is what makes the difference to me.”
