Host: Robby Yates
Guest: Tina Tatum
VIDEO
SUMMARY
Tina Tatum, the owner of Coffee Central, is interviewed by Robbie Yates on the Southaven Business Beat. Coffee Central is a full-service coffee house with two locations in DeSoto County, Mississippi. Tina expresses gratitude for the community’s support as the business recently celebrated its fifth anniversary. She emphasizes that giving back to the community has always been important to her, as she has lived in DeSoto County her entire life and has a heart for community service. Coffee Central aims to create a safe space for meaningful connections over coffee and regularly hosts events such as Knights of Worship and Coffee with a Cause to raise funds and bring awareness to various causes.
Tina discusses the growth and evolution of Coffee Central. Initially, she wanted to create a brand that would appeal to coffee lovers and students in the area. The business started by offering specialty coffee and expanded to include food items like Acai bowls, sausage balls, quiche, and avocado toast. Tina explains that she wanted to provide these offerings locally in DeSoto County instead of having to drive to Memphis. Coffee Central has been successful in drawing customers from the greater Memphis area to their Southaven location. They also opened a second location in Hernando and recently acquired Ethnos Coffee Roasters, allowing them to roast and import their own coffee. Tina mentions that they now offer consulting services for those interested in starting their own coffee business.
Tina reflects on the turning point when they decided to start roasting and importing their own coffee. After four years in business, they realized that they wanted to roast their own beans and provide a more localized experience for their customers. They received training from Ethnos Coffee Roasters and eventually took over the business when the founder had a ministry job opportunity in LA. Tina expresses her surprise at the expansion into roasting and importing, as it was not something she initially envisioned. However, she believes that they can go further and faster by working together and helping others in the coffee industry.
In terms of community involvement, Coffee Central initially gave 10% of their revenue annually to their own nonprofit called R3, which focused on reaching, rescuing, and redeeming those affected by human trafficking. While they dissolved the nonprofit board, they continue to support organizations like Destiny Center and partner with smaller nonprofits that may not be as well-known. Tina mentions Precious and Pink, a nonprofit that helps women transition out of jail in DeSoto County, as an example. Coffee Central uses its platform and voice to bring awareness to these organizations and support their work.
PRESENTING SPONSORS:
Masterchek (https://www.masterchek.com)
Coffee Central (https://www.coffeecentralsouth.com)
EPISODE SPONSOR:
Pure Focus Media – https://www.purefocus.media/
DESCRIPTION
Join us on the latest episode of our podcast as we sit down with Tina Tatum, the visionary behind Coffee Central, a beloved coffee shop in DeSoto County. Celebrating its fifth anniversary, Coffee Central has become a cornerstone of the community, boasting two bustling locations.
Tina shares her passion for creating more than just a coffee shop; Coffee Central is a place where connections are made and causes are championed. Beyond serving up specialty brews and delectable bites, Tina is dedicated to supporting important causes, particularly those combatting human trafficking and aiding in rehabilitation efforts.
In a thrilling development, Coffee Central has ventured into the world of coffee bean roasting and importing, elevating their offerings to new heights. But Tina’s vision doesn’t stop there; Coffee Central also extends its expertise through consulting services, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs to embark on their own coffee business journeys.
Looking ahead, Tina reveals plans for an exciting merger with the Ethnos brand, poised to expand Coffee Central’s reach to new locales while steadfastly serving the local community. Tune in to discover Tina’s inspiring journey and the heartwarming story behind Coffee Central’s commitment to coffee, community, and causes.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Coffee Central celebrates its fifth anniversary with two locations in DeSoto County
Owner Tina Tatum emphasizes community and giving back
Offers specialty coffee, food, and a safe space for connections
Supports nonprofits focused on human trafficking and rehabilitation
Expands to roasting and importing own coffee beans
Offers consulting services for starting coffee businesses
Plans to merge with Ethnos brand, expand to other locations, and serve local community.
CHAPTERS
- Introduction (00:00 – 01:35)
- Interview with Tina Tatum (01:35 – 02:55)
- Involvement In Community and Non-Profits (2:55 – 11:35)
- Future Plans for Coffee Central (11:35 – 13:10)
- Conclusion (13:10 – 14:15)
SPONSOR LIST
https://www.wisdomintegrators.com – Wisdom Integrators
https://thefollowapp.co/ – The Follow App
https://www.purefocus.media/ – Pure Focus Media
https://www.southavenchamber.com/ – Southaven Chamber of Commerce
YOUTUBE URL
