Latte Lounge will be under new ownership at the beginning of the year and will become Courthouse Coffee on the Square.
The change was celebrated Friday with a “passing of the cup” with current owners Dave and Paula Bowman and new owners Travis and Sara McConnell.
The Bowmans have owned the Latte Lounge for 25-1/2 years. Paula said the reason they decided to sell the coffee shop was due to the perfect timing and offer.
Sara said a couple years ago, the McConnells took a cross-country trip and, during that trip, Travis realized how much fun it would be to own a coffee shop. Travis talked to the Bowmans about it and they called him one day and said they were ready to sell and the McConnells jumped on it.
The Bowmans will be on vacation next week and the McConnells will manage the coffee shop on their behalf before taking over.
Kacie Hampton will be the manager of Courthouse Coffee on the Square when the McConnells take over.
Travis, a local attorney, said he wanted to get into something that sold joy to people. Often in the law field, “we see people at their worst. We don’t always get good news, so it’s kind of the opposite of my other job.”
“We’re excited. Courthouse Coffee was here when I was in high school and I have a lot of memories of coming here and hanging out with friends, and it’s just a very nostalgic place for me, so we’re excited to have ownership of it” and bring that type of feeling to the coffee shop, Sara said.
Paula added onto some of the memories that have happened at Latte Lounge.
“A lot of people dated here. A lot of our staff found their soulmates here. We’ve had an incredible run with staff, who have been fabulous,” she said. She said for teachers, counselors and neurosurgeons, Latte Lounge was their first job.
When asked what the Bowmans’ plans are after they hand over the reigns to the McConnells, Paula said, “Sleep in. I’m not sure. We’ve got some things on the horizon that will be fun.”
Travis said there are some plans for some general face lift type of things when the coffee shop becomes Courthouse Coffee on the Square, but nothing major, some paint and maybe some new ceiling tiles.
He said, “We’re planning on keeping all of your favorite drinks, chais, lattes.”
He said events will keep happening at the coffee shop, including baby showers and the painting classes.
Sara said she hopes to have Courthouse Coffee on the Square be a welcoming place for kids to older people and having a relaxing place to drink coffee and hang out with friends.
“We’re hoping to continue to be the community coffee shop, to make a community space to gather at, where it’s welcome to everybody,” he said.
“It’s always been a safe place for the community, especially for the kids who are now adults who’s kids now work for us. And we’re just thrilled it’s going to continue,” Paula said.
