Photo courtesy of Mudhouse Coffee
Mudhouse Coffee Charleston location
(The photo at right is the Mudhouse Coffee location in Charleston, S.C.)
A historic building in the heart of Old Town is currently undergoing a transformation into a community-centric sanctuary, as Mudhouse Coffee prepares to open its doors in early June, according to its new general manager. Despite the logistical hurdles often found in aging architecture—including a current push for a power upgrade—management remains optimistic about the early June launch.
The new location at 1119 King St. marks a homecoming of sorts for the shop’s manager, Tyler Todmann Easterling, a 13-year coffee industry veteran with a resume that includes staples Baked and Wired and A Baked Joint.
A Focus on "Unplugging"
Photo courtesy of Mudhouse Coffee
Mudhouse Coffee
While many modern cafes prioritize high-speed internet and laptop workspace, Mudhouse Coffee in Alexandria will offer space to lean into a "reset" culture. The interior will feature a dedicated area known as “The Chambers.” Designed with comfortable couches and a signature blue wall, this space will intentionally lack power outlets to encourage patrons to engage in conversation, reading or hobbies like the knitting circles hosted by local shop Fibre Space.
"We get those people who just need a moment," Todmann Easterling noted, describing a "homey" atmosphere accented by the owner’s mother’s vintage china. Elsewhere in the shop, traditional amenities like plugs for laptops and phones will still be available for those needing to work.
From Panama to Northern Virginia
The shop’s coffee program is built on a direct-trade model that begins at the company’s own farm, Finca La Cabra, in Panama. Mudhouse has gained industry recognition for its ethical practices, such as offering living wages and choosing to maintain local soccer fields there for workers rather than expanding production.
The coffee beans are shipped to Charlottesville, where they are handled by an award-winning roasting team before arriving in Alexandria to be ground fresh.
Community Integration
Photo courtesy of West Workshop
An interior photo of Mudhouse Coffee
The shop aims to be a fixture for local families. Future plans include a "parklet" with outdoor seating, bubbles and sidewalk chalk to keep children entertained while parents grab a drink. Long-term, the shop hopes to utilize the adjacent alleyway for additional outdoor seating.
Beyond the beans, the menu will feature golden lattes, house-made chai, and in-house tea parties. While many baked goods will be sourced from surrounding Old Town bakeries, the kitchen is currently perfecting recipes for biscuits and cookies to be baked on-site.
Opening Details
Image courtesy of West Workshop
Interior of Mudhouse Coffee Roasters in Alexandria
As the opening date approaches, the shop is looking to staff five to six initial employees, with plans to scale up as the pace of the neighborhood dictates. The manager also hopes to create a "Cafe Jazz" on the first Monday of every month featuring a live DJ.
For those eager for a preview, the team is frequently on-site preparing the space. "We have had a lot of people peeking in the windows," Todmann Easterling said. "If you see me in there with the door open, please stop by!"
