You Deserve a Break
Oak Ridge is growing and is projected to increase exponentially over the next few years. Coffee shops are popping up and will continue to do so. It makes sense to get ahead of the game, to expand and become established before the bigger players take customers away. That WAS my philosophy. Look, as someone who worked in corporate environments, I know Scooters and 7brew will be here soon—I’m honestly surprised there aren’t more Starbucks. I know corporate and I know that Calamitys and Bud’s have a heck of a fight heading our way.
We live in a world built for convenience. Drive-thrus, quick stops, mobile orders…it makes sense. Life is busy. We’re tired. Sometimes the last thing we want to do is get out of the car or make small talk. I get that. Truly.
But I also see the other side of it.
I see how much people are craving connection. Whether it’s a quick conversation at the counter, sharing stories, or simply sitting in a room where you feel like you belong, those moments matter more than ever.
And that’s what Calamity’s was built on.
In less than a month, we were supposed to relaunch Millborne. Instead, I’m here to tell you we’re taking a step back. The truth is that I miss being a small business. I miss knowing you and your drink orders. I miss hearing your stories and getting to know you; focusing on the art of coffee and what it brings to our community. Expanding means losing the connection permanently. My team will continue to bond with you, but I will continue down a path of disconnect.
This announcement might appear to be an admission of failure. And, in some ways, it is. I have failed what made Calamitys in the first place. My initial dream was to have a fleet of coffee carts and trucks, but when our brick and mortar opened, the dream shifted. This shift was when we found our true success. It was no longer about growing and monetizing. It is about being a place where people gather and feel connected.
We live in a world that emphasizes growth. 7brew brags of rapid expansion, the other 3 large companies have filled an entire case at our local gas stations with grab and go drinks. And that works for corporations. They have millions of dollars to determine which color palate will appeal to consumers, which phrase will draw you in. They know how to manipulate the market. That’s just not what small business is about.
I’m not saying Calamitys will never expand. I am saying that we are built on community. We are founded on giving back and that can’t happen if quick expansion is put before people.
While corporations brag about opening hundreds of locations in a month, we are proud to focus on our customers.
Quick and easy has its place, but millions of dollars are spent to grab your attention. These cans do not care about the consumer.
If I were still playing corporate games, it would make sense to have a grand relaunch. It would excite people and drive sales for a month. People would want to know what all the hype was about and would want to see what we’ve done. We’re not corporate. We want to support schools financially and with our presence (I used to get to watch our young musicians and athletes, I miss rooting them on). We want to fuel dreams and provide opportunities for others to grow. We want to see Jackson Square thrive by hosting more events and more opportunities for community building.
So here’s what moving forward looks like:
• We’ll continue collaborating with Millborne, supporting their coffee program and supporting their team during large events.
• Starting in May, we’re returning to our 7am–5pm hours (except for special event nights).
• We’ll be working more closely with the Jackson Square Association to bring events and energy back to the Jackson Square.
• We’re expanding our support of local nonprofits and community initiatives.
• We’re focusing on sustainable, intentional growth—not rapid expansion.
• We will make it a tradition to close for a few days in July so our team can spend time with their families.
• And behind the scenes, we’re making the operational changes needed to strengthen what we’ve built.
This doesn’t mean we’ll never grow. It means that when we do, we’ll do it the right way: with people first.
Calamity’s was never meant to be just another coffee stop. It was meant to be a place where people feel known, supported, and connected.
That’s what we’re getting back to. We’re proving that while quick and easy has its place, connection is just as important. That corporations can never fully take over the landscape of great communities like Oak Ridge.
Please know: this decision isn’t easy, but it’s the right one.