Marietta Gourmet Coffee Shop “Stoked” to Serve More College Students

DSCF1165 A day doesn’t go by without a desire to fulfill thirst. More often than not, students crave particular beverages at the most random times, and sometimes there is a mind battle regarding what the mouth is truly mad after.

There are occasional limitations in variety and availability if the observation remains within immediate reach. However, there is a positive alternative to cure even the driest palate.  Stoked Coffee, located on 302 Pike St. in Marietta, has been serving up delicious drinks, ranging from the obvious to chai tea, real fruit smoothies, milkshakes referred to as a crème, Italian sodas, sweetened and unsweetened teas, and hot chocolate, as well as bagels, cookies, and scones, since November of 2007.

Co-owned by friends Travis and Angela Christman and Duane and Valerie Huck, Stoked began an as idea between them after they observed that Marietta had no drive-thru gourmet coffee establishment.  With the aid of praying nonstop and careful research, the group discovered Crimson Coffee, a supplier and consultant for independent shops, and networked with them to officially start the business. The building used – a quaint, bisque painted brick structure resembling a house – was, according to Valerie Huck, originally a service station in the 1950s, followed by Valley Pool Supply.

“The building was in horrible shape when we took possession on Aug. 1, 2007,” Huck reflects.  “The next few months were spent gutting and remodeling the place.”

What Stoked has become is not only a delectable delicacy, but a welcoming workplace and relaxing hangout, equipped with tables and chairs and free wi-fi for its customers, not to mention occasional live music from students within the area.  Its staff that consists of ten part-time employees includes high school and college students, the owner couples, and middle-aged women who have been eager to work after raising their children.  Some have experience in the restaurant or retail industry, while some simply just have a love for coffee.

“We look for those who are friendly, pay close attention to detail, and who are teachable,” Huck adds.

With a small, yet diverse group, it is no surprise that the shop attracts both men and women of all ages and from different economic backgrounds.

“We find that our customers are coming to Stoked Coffee intentionally,” Huck addresses, “not just because they were traveling and happened to stop.”

Cheska Van Gundy, a junior at Marietta College, did just that.

“I discovered Stoked on my own accord,” she recalls.  “I saw that it had opened and had been excited about it since I heard a coffee shop was going to open there. I’m kind of a coffee fanatic, so I was looking forward to it for awhile.  Now I’d say I average about one trip a week throughout the entire year, but during stressful school times, such as the last few weeks of the semester or midterms, I might go to Stoked multiple times a week.”

While Van Gundy may be hooked to Stoked, its business still lacks this demographic that it aims to attract.

“More students from Washington State Community College come than Marietta College,” Huck admits.  “We think this is because those students are driving to school and can easily come over to our shop; we are a little farther than most Marietta College students probably prefer to walk.”

This is not meant to discourage students from adventuring and taste testing, however.

“We would like to grow our business more through college students,” Huck says.  “We think our shop is a great place for students to study by themselves or in groups or just hang out, and we’d like to become the business of their choice if they need pick-me-up beverages or just a treat.”

The shop’s most popular and signature drink is the Stoked Mocha, which includes espresso, milk of choice, white chocolate, caramel drizzle, and whipped cream, while its gourmet cinnamon and cranberry orange scones prove to be the goodies that sell out most frequently.

So what makes Stoked different than other coffee shops in town?

“Because we are locally owned, we don’t have a name that is recognizable to the general public, but it sounds right,” Huck assures.  “One of the owners likes to say, ‘I’m stoked’ when he is excited about something.  We brought up the idea of Stoked Coffee and were all excited about it; now we use the slogan, ‘Get Stoked.’”

There is more than just a catchy, enthusiastic name, though.

“We feel like we have superior product, especially to our drive-thru competition, because our drinks can be customized to everyone’s liking, such as an extra shot of or half the espresso, changing syrup and foam amounts, having drinks hot, cold, or frozen/blended with temperature adjustments, skim and soy milk, sugar free, and decaf” Huck says.  “Also, several places in town offer prepackaged mix types of coffee drinks, but ours are made with fresh ingredients, and our coffee beans are from the top 5 percent in the world.  You can tell a difference in the taste – our coffee doesn’t taste burnt or bitter.”

And customers certainly boast about Stoked!

“I like that Stoked isn’t a huge chain,” Van Gundy says.  “I do love Starbucks, but I prefer to support local businesses whenever possible. It’s definitely family based and also takes an active role in the community. They know me when I go in and they’re always very accommodating.”

Huck also ensures, “Customers love our product.  We have customers who come in two and three times a day.  We have customers who have thanked us for opening a ‘true’ gourmet coffee shop in Marietta.  A few have even told us that they haven’t had authentic espresso like ours since they traveled in Italy!”

The praise has triggered Stoked’s staff to set its expectations even higher.

“Beyond expanding our customer base in the Marietta area, we’d eventually like to open locations in other cities,” Huck says.  “We hope that as positive word of mouth spreads about our product, and we are intentional about marketing and advertising, that we will be able to reach our sales goals.  We would also like to explore catering and include lunch items, but we currently aren’t licensed by the health department to prepare them.”

Van Gundy mentions, “I’ve never had a bad experience at Stoked; I love the environment there; it’s very laidback, comfortable, and clean.  I don’t think anyone’s truly lived their live tastefully without trying Stoked!”

Stoked’s hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.  Its staff highly encourages students to visit and try their variety of beverages and pastries, especially since they get a 10 percent discount.

This article was written by Jen Emmert, a student taking Media Writing Two at Marietta College.  Look for more articles from the class to appear on Writing on the Mall in the coming weeks.  If you are interested in writing for Writing on the Mall, please e-mail patrick_h at writingonthemall dot net.