Episode Summary – Get ’N Your Business Podcast, Episode 78
Host Alison Shores sits down with Christine, owner of Kraken Coffee in downtown St. Marys, and Jaime Foddrell from Sysco to spill the beans on what it really takes to open (and grow) a beloved local coffee shop. Christine shares her journey from Nebraska to Denver and finally Camden County, how a coffee plantation visit in Kauai and a 34-year career as a dental hygienist led her to chase a new dream, and why baking from scratch and honoring family recipes are at the heart of Kraken’s menu. Jaime tells the hilarious story of their first meeting—parking in “her” spot at the house—and how that tense moment turned into a strong partnership that’s been there since the first kitchen-table planning session.

Full Show Notes

https://camdenchamber.com/getnyour-bis/kraken-coffee

00:00– Cold open: “This one” walks in and crosses her arms 00:34– Welcome to Episode 78 & sponsor shout-outs 01:00– Meet Christine from Kraken Coffee & Jaime from Sysco 01:36– From Nebraska to Denver to Camden County 02:36– How a trip to a Hawaii coffee plantation sparked a dream 03:02– Leaving a 34-year career as a dental hygienist 03:49– Falling in love with baking and bringing it into the shop 04:52– 95% from-scratch bakery case & what’s truly homemade 05:21– The call: “Can we get Kraken’s Sysco order guide?” 06:04– The first house meeting & “You parked in my spot” 07:00– “I bake everything” – setting the standard from day one 07:50– Sysco brings in brokers, samples & full support 09:30– Construction chaos: ceilings falling & pipes bursting 12:10– Working with the City & fire chief before signing the lease 13:20– Becoming a test pilot for outdoor seating in downtown St. Marys 15:01– Jaime’s favorite: house-made energy drinks & his son’s cake pops 16:20– Cake pops, cheesecakes & a talented baking team 17:40– What’s on the menu: muffins, scones, kolaches, salads & paninis 18:55– Bagels shipped from New York & Christine’s favorite savory scones 19:30– Designing the cozy “coffee Cheers” vibe & that bold wallpaper 20:04– Customer service that feels like family 21:40– Creating tradition: a place for Saturday donuts & coffee 22:30– Why Camden County now feels more like home than anywhere else 23:20– The RJ love story: from local driver to Cisco Texas 24:20– Location, hours & being open seven days a week 25:20– Why there’s no “good” day for a coffee shop to close 26:15– Gratitude for the Chamber, Sysco & loyal guests 27:30– Final thoughts & invitation to visit Kraken Coffee