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TRYON—Since its opening in 1998, Tryon Coffeehouse has embodied its founder’s motto, “Shelter from the Storm,” providing a consistent refuge for locals and visitors alike. 

This beloved establishment has never closed a single day, weathering power outages, mudslides, and snowstorms to serve the community, earning it the nickname “the Friendliest Coffeehouse in the South.” 

Originally founded by Bill Ingham, the coffeehouse’s commitment to staying open was evident early on when customers poured their own drinks on the honor system during unattended hours. Even during snowstorms and power outages, Ingham would grind coffee beans by hand or use a generator to keep the business running. Ingham’s love for his friends and the town was always evident by the extra lengths he would go to make sure the doors were open. 

Following Ingham’s retirement from running the coffeehouse in 2015, a passionate team of seven friends formed a cooperative to keep the downtown coffeehouse alive, renaming it the Tryon Coffeehouse Co-op. The Co-op team continued the tradition of keeping the doors open and being there for the locals, always going the extra mile to serve the area. This tradition of dedication to the community continued when Kevin and Mary Parker, proprietors of the Greenlife Inn at the Mimosa, purchased the business in 2017.

“We own the inn, and it is an extension of what we do as part of the service industry,” says owner Kevin Parker, emphasizing the coffeehouse’s role as a corporate and community service. Despite sometimes challenging circumstances, such as power outages and mudslides, the Tryon Coffeehouse remains committed to serving the community, even setting up a tent near disaster sites and working with other businesses to support first responders.

Head Barista Sherry Palmer reflects on the coffeehouse’s unique spirit and role as a meeting place for various local organizations. Her own dedication has been displayed many times during adverse weather conditions, including when she navigated through ice and snow on snowshoes to keep the business running, highlighting the team’s resilience during challenging times.

“It truly represents a shelter from to so many locals and visitors,” said Palmer. “The Coffeehouse has a great spirit and cast of characters. People feel it when they come into this unique place.” 

Open every day of the week, the Tryon Coffeehouse welcomes locals and visitors to enjoy a comfortable, friendly environment. Parker invites guests to experience a quiet and relaxing atmosphere to work remotely, hold meetings, or simply share a cup of coffee with friends. 

Their menu includes hot and cold drinks, fresh-brewed coffee, handcrafted espressos, a variety of teas, house-made ice coffee, fresh-baked goodies from Laine’s Kitchen, and more.

The coffeehouse is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays, and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. It is located at 62-A North Trade St., where it continues to serve as a true shelter and community hub for all.