Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Rammel
Hi Elizabeth, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Our family moved here with the intention of being closer to family and of opening this bookstore/cafe; it has been our dream to have one for years. I have a degree in English and have wanted a bookstore since Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks crossed paths in You’ve Got Mail. Books are my passion and, as a writer, a bookstore is a haven for not only socialization but creativity. A coffee shop only adds to the atmosphere and the stimulants certainly help :).
We’d been in the area several times over the last five years to visit family and often talked about moving here from Wilmington, NC. When we saw this building, we knew we found our chance.
Now, here we are in the quaint community of Dandridge, where we have met many wonderful people and have been able to turn the shop into a place where friends meet, drink coffee, and relax.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Selling our property and acquiring the building downtown was easy enough. We also found the coffee equipment at a reasonable cost, which was a blessing. However, the building needed a LOT of work because it was built in 1840 and has not been maintained over the last several years…at least. My husband is a carpenter and was able to do a lot on his own, but things needed hired out and even supplies cost money. It was certainly an investment that kept on taking.
Marketing in a small town has also been a challenge. Getting the word out that we were open and what we offered wasn’t easy, but we have slowly made ourselves known and have a solid group of locals who regularly visit our establishment.
Another challenge has been parking. As we grow, we are not able to extend parking for our patrons. That will continue to be an issue for us.
Our location is also a challenge, as a heavily traveled state road separates us from the rest of the downtown walkable shop community.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My husband has always worked in construction and currently works at Smoky Top Construction out of Seymour.
In the past, I have worked as an educator and deputy sheriff, among other things. My degree in in English and I currently work part-time as a freelance writer, though I am an active member of the local writing community and have published two novels, which I sell at the store.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I have certainly learned that each morning brings a new day. The challenges may not be the same–neither are the blessings. The overall picture is what someone who opens a small business needs to focus on. Details are important, but they are inconstant. When I see several people hanging out around the shop drinking coffee, or I get to sit with a group of readers or writers to discuss our passion, the details fade into the background.
Pricing:
- Most books are used and under $10
- All drinks, including espressos, under $5
- Hot sandwiches for $6.75
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/meetingstreetbookscafe
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meetingstreetbooksandcafe
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/meeting-street-books-and-cafe-dandridge-2
