Community, Quality, Innovation: Key Ingredients to Building a Successful Coffee Shop with Kaity Gould

Welcome to another episode of #localbites, the podcast that celebrates the stories of entrepreneurs who are making a mark in their communities. In today's episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Kaity Gould, co-owner of Fort Smith Coffee Company. Originally a barista in Sydney, Australia, Kaity’s passion for craft coffee led her back to the United States, where she saw an opportunity to fill a gap in her husband’s home town of Fort Smith, Arkansas. She started her venture at a humble farmers market stall, fueled by her love for her community, quality, and innovation.

With dedication and hard work, Kaity’s business soon blossomed into multiple locations, each serving not only exceptional coffee but also offering scratch-made pastries and an extensive food menu. Her commitment to delivering the best experience to her customers sets her apart in the industry. In this episode, we explore Kaity’s entrepreneurial journey, from her early days as a barista to becoming a successful coffee shop owner. We’ll hear about the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned along the way, and the pivotal moments that shaped her path.

Join us as we delve into Kaity’s story of passion, perseverance, and the power of community. Get ready to be inspired by her unwavering commitment to quality and her innovative approach to building a coffee empire. Tune in to #localbites and let Kaity Gould’s story inspire your own entrepreneurial aspirations.

[00:00] Show intro

[00:35] Background on Kaity

[01:17] Transitioning from Sydney to the US

[02:57] How Katie’s experience in Sydney influenced her vision

[03:58] Balancing experience with hurrying people

[04:58] The interior design side of encouraging experience

[06:54] What parts of Australian coffee culture has Kaity been able to capture?

[08:03] Third wave coffee culture: what is it and what are the first and second waves?

[09:33] Why did Kaity decide to roast her own coffee and what sets them apart?

[12:17] From a farmers market to multiple locations

[14:40] The biggest challenges along the journey

[16:14] Staying at the forefront of customers minds

[18:15] Consistency in both product and service

[22:21] Deciding on drink recipes

[23:20] Thanks for joining this episode of #localbites