CHAPEL HILL -- During three years working at a local coffee equipment company, Adam Schriefer learned it didn’t take spending tens of thousands of dollars to produce great results.
His access and experience working with coffee shops motivated him to learn more about how to make various drinks.
First came the cold brew, next, Schriefer began to grasp more about different coffee syrups and beans. The same time he was picking up new skills, his knack for wood artistry had begun to grow.
Schriefer’s wife, Bridgett Schriefer, asked him to create furniture for their home.
After staining and building a coffee table, a kitchen island and other items, it was clear Schriefer had a natural gift.
Now at Wood & Bean, 12971 State Highway 64 E. in Chapel Hill, his two passions are on full display.
He and his wife opened the business last month.
Housed in a shipping container, the interior of the coffee shop is wrapped in wood patterns Schriefer designed and installed to create a shabby chic look.
“We bought this shipping container and we had it modified with the doors and windows, but the build out is us,” he said.
“I was like, I’ve seen them make tiny houses why can’t we make a tiny business," Mrs. Schriefer said.
Customers can order everything from a regular cup of Joe, to Americano, Caramel Macchiato, cold brew, frappes, floats, tea and more.
Chase Miller, Adam Schriefer Bridgett Schriefer at Wood & Bean on Monday July 16, 2018. The shop is located in New Chapel Hill at 12971 State Highway 64 E. (Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph)
Scones sold at the shop are buttered and tossed in sugar, drizzled in strawberry sauce or feature a cream cheese topping.
Items are priced in the $1-$4 range. Schriefer will also have several wooden items to sell at the store in the future and will take custom orders for wooden furniture.
Wood & Bean features a drive-thru and all the drinks can be modified to meet customers’ wishes.
The Schriefers said opening the business is allowing them to better connect with their community.
“I have met more of my community in the last three weeks than in the last five years I’ve lived here,” Mrs. Schriefer said.
The couple said they’ve met a lot of people who have expressed excitement about the business. The Schriefers hope that their business will be a place where people can gather, receive great service and have a great time.
“It’s important to us that this community thrives because it’s such a beautiful part of East Texas,” Mrs. Schriefer said.
“We want people to feel comfortable to come and feel like they can be themselves,” Schriefer added. “Some coffee shops kind of have certain stigmas. We want people to feel like this is a part of them.”
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