Coffee shop owner remains nimble
Maria Brennan, owner of Little Ireland Coffee in Pacific, said she has had to be flexible to keep up with the challenges COVID-19 has brought this year.
In mid-March, Brennan closed the dining room of the shop, 125 N. First St., trimmed the hours and offered carry-out only.
Later, she made the decision to close the shop completely.
“That was devastating,” she said of the eight-week down period.
In mid-May, Brennan reopened the shop, with carry-out only and reduced hours, and in June, it completely reopened.
Luckily, customers came back, and the shop has enjoyed some of its highest sales-volume days since it opened in 2017.
“The town continues to support us,” she said.
Little Ireland serves Park Avenue Coffee from The Hill neighborhood in south St. Louis.
“That’s really what brings customers back,” she said. “It’s exceptional.”
The shop also serves espresso drinks, smoothies and teas, as well as some bakery and breakfast items.
Brennan, who grew up in the area but lives in St. Charles now, said her “goal is to maintain business as usual” while making sure employees and customers are safe.
That’s why, at the end of July when COVID-19 numbers spiked in the Pacific area, she again reduced hours and went to carry-out for a short period.
She also has installed Plexiglas shields and implemented social distancing standards. Employees wear masks and gloves, and “heightened sanitation” practices are in place.
Brennan said her business, which has eight employees, is going well now.
“We’re probably better than before COVID-19,” she said. “I joke that people desperately want to get out and are coming here after the effects of drinking their own coffee.”
Brennan pointed to one bright spot during this dark time: Customers have discovered the shop’s back patio.
“Our patio was not getting much notice before, but people found it and they’re loving it,” she said.
