Kraken Coffee - Kitchen
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. Together, they walk through construction chaos, menu development with Sysco brokers and suppliers, working with the City of St. Marys and the fire chief, and becoming the test pilot for new outdoor seating downtown. Throughout the episode, Alison highlights how Kraken Coffee has created a cozy “coffee Cheers” atmosphere—where guests become family, cake pops and energy drinks are fan favorites, and excellent customer service keeps locals and tourists coming back seven days a week.
Summary Highlights
☕ From Cornfields to Coffee Beans
Christine shares how she went from growing up in Nebraska, moving to Denver, and eventually landing in Camden County thanks to her husband’s customs promotion in Brunswick—and why she now feels more at home in St. Marys than anywhere she’s lived.🦷➡️🧁 Career Shift with a Sweet Twist
After 34 years as a dental hygienist, Christine’s body was tired—but her love for baking never stopped. A trip to a coffee plantation in Kauai sparked the idea that became Kraken Coffee, blending specialty coffee with a from-scratch bakery case.🧁 Family Recipes & Scratch Baking
Kraken’s bakery case is about 95% from scratch, featuring family recipes like her mom’s Harvest Pumpkin Cake, monster cookies her kids loved, and contributions from business partner Kristen and their talented bakers, including creative specials like Black Forest cake and blueberry bread pudding.🤝 The Sysco Partnership Story
Jaime tells the story of walking into the house, parking in “her” spot, and getting met with crossed arms and, “I bake everything.” That moment led to a deep partnership—Sysco brought in brokers, bread reps, produce specialists, Pepsi, and more to help Kraken build its menu from the ground up.🧪 Tasting Tables & The Round Table
Before the shop even opened, Kraken’s “round table” became the hub for tastings—croissants, bacon, sausage, produce, and more. Sysco essentially “brought the house” so Christine and Kristen could test products and refine their offerings.🔧 Construction Chaos & Start-Up Reality
They laugh through some of the early headaches: electricians falling through the ceiling, drywallers cutting water pipes and flooding the kitchen, and the steep learning curve of building out a food-and-beverage space from scratch.🏙️ Working with the City & Fire Chief
Christine booked a meeting with the fire chief before even signing the lease to ask, “What do we need to do?” The city and fire department walked the space, answered questions, and helped them plan—making the permitting and compliance process feel straightforward and supportive.🌤️ Outdoor Seating Test Pilot
Kraken Coffee is set to be a test pilot for new outdoor seating downtown. With renderings drawn by Colby, they’ll convert two front parking spaces into shaded seating with 4–6 tables, adding a “big city” café vibe right in the heart of St. Marys.🥐 What’s on the Menu?
Weekday bakery case: cakes, muffins, scones (including seasonal flavors), cookies, bars, kolaches, cheesecakes.
Breakfast & lunch: sausage-egg-cheese kolaches, breakfast sandwiches, paninis, chicken salad, curry chicken salad, shrimp salad.
Bagels shipped in from New York twice a week, with options like lox & bagels.
Christine’s personal favorite: the savory scones.
⚡ Energy Drinks, Coffee & Cake Pops
Jaime confesses he’s at Kraken three to four times a week for their house-made energy drinks, while his wife loves the coffee and his son is all about the cake pops—now crafted by barista Amy, who has really “run with it” and made them her own.🛋️ A Cozy “Coffee Cheers”
Alison gushes over the shop’s design—especially the cozy nook and the vibe that makes you feel at home and ready to sit, work, or meet all day. The first thing Christine bought was the bold wallpaper, and from there the team collaborated to create a warm, welcoming space where “everybody knows your name.”💙 Customer Service That Goes Above & Beyond
From recognizing regulars by name to serving a customer even while they’re closed for maintenance, Christine and her team focus on treating people the way they want to be treated—making guests feel like friends and family, not just customers.📍 Location, Hours & Commitment
Kraken Coffee is located at 122 Osborne Street, Suite B, in the same building as Southern Riverwalk, open seven days a week, 7:30 AM–3:30 PM—because, as they say, there’s no day where people don’t want coffee.👨👩👧 Community, Relationships & “Coffee Family”
The episode closes with gratitude—for the Chamber, Sysco, Jaime, and especially the loyal guests who keep Kraken thriving. Jaime talks about how clients like Kraken become friends and family, and Christine emphasizes that they’re here for the long haul in downtown St. Marys.
🎧 Listen now and then stop by:
📍 Kraken Coffee – 122 Osborne Street, Suite B, downtown St. Marys
🕒 Open 7 days a week | 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
