Why the Lowcountry is the perfect setting for a coffee cart

Setting up for service in the beautiful courtyard of May River Manor

I have always had an appreciation for the Lowcountry and its unique features. I grew up just outside of Savannah, and seeing sprawling Live Oaks, Spanish moss, and marsh views just sort of became commonplace. However, setting up the coffee cart throughout the area has really provided a new lens, and my affinity for the Lowcountry has only gotten stronger.

Let’s start with the obvious - the Lowcountry is beautiful! This has probably been my favorite aspect of bringing the coffee cart around. If I’m setting up in an outdoor space, there is a good chance that I’m going to be surrounded by some wonderful scenery. Early morning events mean taking in a golden sunrise, and evening gatherings bring with them sunsets of pink and deep orange hues. Bonus points if we are setting up near the water! For guests, the Lowcountry provides an exceptional, natural backdrop to sip on a latte and enjoy the breeze or conversation.

‍ ‍ The first floral mock-up, overlooking the Coosaw River

Would you agree that things just tend to move a bit slower here? This really seems to apply to coffee, as well. Even at the busiest events, people embrace the opportunity to gather and hang around afterwards. A coffee in hand is a perfect excuse for us to catch up with those around us and try to live in that moment. This is something that may be a bit foreign if you are coming from a more metropolitan area, but for us in the Lowcountry, slowing down and entertaining the company around us seems to be second-nature. If the coffee cart gives people another reason to linger and take their time, then I consider that mission accomplished!

This leads me to what could be the biggest (yet most true) cliché about the Lowcountry: the hospitality! In fact, I’m referring here to the hospitality that others have shown me during my adventures with the coffee cart. At every pop-up and private event, I am welcomed with a huge smile and a wonderful conversation. People seem to become instant friends in the Lowcountry, and I have been blown away by the number of new friends I’ve made with the cart. We all know the phrase “it’s a small world,” but the Lowcountry is a perfect example of that. Familiar faces and returning patrons really have become the heartbeat of The Loyal Cup, and the kindness I witness on display here is unlike anything else I have experienced. I mean, where else can you serve coffee to your new best friend, Forrest Gump (see below)?!

‍ ‍ Enjoying laughs and coffee with Forrest Gump at the Beaufort Shrimp Festival

If you are already a resident of the Lowcountry, maybe some of this sounds familiar to you. If you haven’t gotten a chance to visit the area yet, I invite you to make a trip to what I think is one of the most beautiful and unique places! I’ll have a coffee waiting for you!

Author: Michael