From Food Truck to Thriving Coffee Shop
Passing a coffee shop everyday while I head to work, I always noticed something unique about this local establishment. Located on South Wells Avenue, Handcraft Coffee Company was brought alive from a local food truck in 2017, to a thriving business by UNR alumni owners, Marissa and Travis Tidd. When thinking about your next trip to get caffeine in your system, Handcraft Coffee is ready to take your order.
What started out of a simple food truck idea, the Tidd’s decided to expand their business venture into a new, unique coffee shop. Opened in 2017, the Tidd’s finished college, with Marissa studying communications and Travis studying civil engineering. The two decided to buy a food truck and began to sell coffee to the Reno community. Marissa had one goal in mind, “To finish school and at the time no one wanted to hire a person right out of college. We saw an opportunity and figured to try it out and it turned out to be successful.” After long business proposals and typing out different names and ideas, the name Handcraft Coffee and Company was born and took over the coffee industry.
“We do everything with a lot of care and focus on custom service. So everything is handmade, handcrafted and that stuck with us…it came naturally.”
With social media presence being a major outlet for advertising, Handcraft excels at dominating the social media aspect of what it takes to advertise a successful business. Instagram, Facebook, and flyers are the outlet in which most customers respond well to. Handcraft Coffee Company also leaves coupons for the local business around the establishment. Marissa says, “It is cool to see people come in and use the coupons we left or the flyers put out. With customers who find us on Instagram, we have to ask how did you find out about us?”
As the business took off and hopeful for an expansion, the Coronavirus pandemic hit hard and fast. Slowly the business has bounced back since then, yet has still affected local, small businesses overtime. Since the pandemic has slowed down, Handcraft has seen more and more customers come in. With that, competition in this business can be high as more people open up local coffee shops like Handcraft coffee, but Marissa doesn't look at other businesses as competition…she wants all business to accomplish big things. “I want everyone to succeed and to not compete.”
What makes Handcraft Coffee Company loved by locals here in Reno is their heavily based customer service. With a great, unique environment that is for everyone — working, relaxing, or just grabbing a coffee to-go, Marissa wants all customers feel welcomed when they walk through their doors. Handcraft also serves as a great partner to other local businesses in the area. Marissa says, “We do events with businesses such as the Biggest Little Fashion Truck and other local vendors as well.”
“To me this is the American Dream. Starting your own business and it’s scary. You do have to be brave, but it has been exciting to see how well it has been going.”
To keep up with Hand Craft Coffee Company, visit their website: https://www.handcraftcoffeecompany.com/ and check out their socials: Facebook and Instagram @handcraftcoffeecompany
Reporting and story by Hallie Borgel for Reno Tahoe Business Report.
