Solo Cafe offers menu focused on coffee, other beverages

Java fans take note! There's a new location in Erwin where fans can enjoy a cup of their favorite brew from someone who has family members who are also in the coffee game. Solo Cafe is located at 1106 Jackson Love Highway, Suite 4, Erwin. The cafe opened on May 21 and features coffee drinks as well as other beverages, including smoothies, lemonades and hot and cold teas. Pennsylvania native, new Erwin resident and cafe owner Maria Garcia spoke to The Erwin Record about her new beverage shop. "I moved to Erwin last September to live with my husband who has lived here for eight years now and has a lot of family who has been in the area for years," Garcia said. After moving to Erwin, Garcia observed that there wasn't a lot going on in the south side of town and got the idea to open up a business that would provide a jolt. "I worked at my uncle's coffee shop Caffe 101 in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania," Garcia said. She event brought some of her favorite coffee beans and syrups with her when she moved. "My husband's family loved the coffee I made and encouraged me to sell it here," said Garcia. After a search for the perfect space, she found a spot along Jackson Love Highway. "It was empty, just a room for the bathroom," she said. "We spent seven months turning it into a space to start our little shop." The work paid off when Garcia was able to open Solo Cafe late last month. Garcia said that business has been steady and consistent. She has also expanded her menu to offer a few cold sandwiches, noting that customers have shown the sandwiches a lot of love. Shop patrons are already choosing their favorite drinks. "We have a signature menu with a drink inspired by the region of which the most popular has been the Clinch Cappuccino," Garcia said. "One of our regulars loves to try out our specialty flavors in frappes," Garcia added. The shop also offers locally made pastries provided by Tia Lo's Bakery, another Erwin small business. Solo Cafe is open seven days a week, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Orders can be placed by calling (423) 444-7507. Follow the shop of Facebook page by searching for SoloCafe, Instagram on solo cafe.12, and Tik Tok at solo.cafe12.