Today we’d like to introduce you to Susie Parks.
Susie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
20 years ago, before there was a national chain on every corner, someone had a vision for a neighborhood coffee house in Santee. When we, Duane and Susie Parks, moved our family into the community, we fell in love with the idea and bought the shop, fulfilling a life-long dream for both of us. We learned the business as a family which has been a valuable experience for our three children, two of whom are in the coffee business today 12 years later. Our oldest son, Micah brings his business degree and savvy to help manage our business.
Coffee Corner offers a convenient drive-thru on Mast Blvd on your way to the 52 freeway. And has expanded to include a second location in the heart of the city, a roasting division, and strong community involvement. So many hands have shaped who we are today and we wouldn’t have it any other way!
Coffee, Tea and Acai are what we technically serve, but we like to think more of what we strive to provide is that “space” for the community. It sounds cliché’ but we believe it is essential for these types of spaces to exist in a city, and we are proud to be one of the many gems in East San Diego. Our market is simply any and all who would have us be a part of their life. We are always listening and looking for new opportunities to make your day!
In 2017 we saw an opportunity to take what we were already doing and have a bigger impact. Several of our baristas had been traveling to the Hill tribes of Thailand to work on developmental projects in the villages. Micah spent a month there helping with clean water projects, planting coffee plants and working with Lanna Cafe sharing recipes and with farmers learning their processes. Getting to know the people and needs there inspired the launch of the Hill Tribes Coffee Roasting division with a solar-powered roaster. Though we’ve had to take a break due to the shutdowns, we look forward to ramping up our roasting business again soon.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As with anything worthwhile, there have been plenty of challenges. From permitting issues to that scary timeframe when you are waiting for people to discover your business to navigating a “family” business.
The 2020 shutdown was a challenge for all small businesses. At first, we were so nervous. We had to pause our roasting business as most of our clients were closed and had to make some quick adjustments in our cafe’s. As we came together with our family and staff, we agreed to return to our original focus – making the most positive impact possible in our circle of influence. At every turn, we would regroup and do the “next right thing”. Through this process and God’s provision, we were able to retain our entire team and serve our customers with a new and innovative approach. Our regular customers supported our business and our staff in such kind and super generous ways.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Quality and customer-focused menu items are the hallmark of our cafe’s. Our signature cold brew iced coffee has been on the menu from the beginning after much experimentation to perfect the recipe. Coffee ice cubes ensure that your coffee stays consistent to the very last drop. We offer milk substitutes, sugar free options, and seasonal favorites are served year round. Acai bowls are one of our signature and most popular items and we just added some new sandwiches to the menu.
We are always on the look out for new and tasty recipes to mix things up for our Coffee Corner family! Lavender Lemonade and Bourbon-barrel aged maple syrup latte’s are the current favorites.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success for us means delighted customers and happy team members. Community connection and opportunities to expand our impact are also very important to us. We’ve found that our greatest joy is found in investing in the lives and businesses of our “people” as they invest in us.
Contact Info:
- Email: santeecoffeecorner@gmail.com
- Website: santeecoffeecorner.com
- Instagram: @santeecoffeecorner
Image Credits:
Penny Wilkinson, Studio Front Porch Photography
