Columbia’s Coffee Scene Gets a New Twist with Godspeed
Columbia is buzzing with excitement as local baristas Roger Caughman and Kailey Cunningham prepare to take their beloved pop-up coffee shop, Godspeed, on a little adventure. Just four months after opening the doors to their trendy coffee spot in Five Points, this dynamic duo is moving things to a new location on Saluda Avenue, just a hop, skip, and jump away. Talk about keeping the coffee culture fresh!
From Drip to Godspeed: A Love Story Brewed in Coffee
If you’re wondering how Godspeed came to be, the story is almost as delightful as their drinks. Roger and Kailey, who met while working at the popular cafe Drip, have always been passionate about coffee and each other. Their journey together now takes them to an exciting new chapter.
“When our friend at Papa Jazz Record Shoppe needed to relocate for a bit, we decided it was the perfect chance to set up our pop-up shop right there,” shared Roger. Nestled in a cozy spot complete with a wooden desk, cheerful floral arrangements, and quirky decor like the signature orange bubble lamp, Godspeed has already made a name for itself in Columbia.
Creative Brews & Unique Menu Offerings
So what’s been brewing at Godspeed? They’ve lit up Columbia’s coffee scene with menu items sure to tickle anyone’s taste buds. According to Kailey, the crowd favorites include the Magpie, a must-try that fuses the bright flavors of cinnamon and orange zest, and their seasonal Punk n Spite latte, featuring toasted marshmallows and house-made roasted pumpkin purée.
Roger can’t help but beam when talking about the reactions they’ve received. “It’s been so much fun watching people find their favorite drinks,” he said. “They get to explore and figure out what they like while we learn from them too!”
Location Change & Future Plans
As Papa Jazz prepares to move back to its original spot, Godspeed wrapped up its debut stand on November 18, but the excitement doesn’t stop there! They’re revving up for their next pop-up venture at 711 Saluda Ave., in collaboration with an “entrepreneur support organization” named GrowCo at the Boyd Innovation Center.
“We’re really excited about this new space! It’ll give us the chance to have a more traditional café vibe with plenty of seating, updated hours, dependable Wi-Fi, and an assortment of local pastries,” Roger mentioned enthusiastically.
Sustainability & Local Sourcing at the Heart of Godspeed
Sustainability is at the core of what Godspeed stands for. Roger and Kailey are committed to using ethically sourced ingredients, working with local roasters like Junto Coffee and Homestead Creamery for their flavored milks.
“It’s essential for us to ensure that everyone involved gets fair compensation,” Kailey emphasized. “We take pride in sourcing high-quality ingredients and making sure we’re supporting our local community.”
Accessibility & Inclusion for All Coffee Lovers
While serving up delicious coffees, they’re also mindful of accessibility. Kailey highlighted that their menu includes an array of options like dairy-free milks and vegan marshmallows. “We want to create a space where there’s something for everyone. Making sure our products accommodate various needs is super important to us,” she said.
Stay Tuned for Godspeed’s Return
With plans still bubbling up for the new Godspeed pop-up, Roger and Kailey are working hard behind the scenes to get things ready for a December reopening. In the meantime, they encourage coffee lovers to stay in the loop by following their updates on Instagram or shooting them an email.
As Columbia continues to embrace the coffee culture, Godspeed is sure to leave a lasting impression and deliver a signature experience that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
