From WYDaily By Molly Feser
Column 15 held a grand opening this weekend for their new permanent location. (WYDaily/Photo by Molly Feser)
WILLIAMSBURG — A local coffee staple officially has a permanent home.
The nitro brew coffee business, Column 15, had its grand opening this weekend at their new permanent location at 701-R Merrimac Trail in The Edge District of Williamsburg.
The grand opening celebration was kicked off on Friday, May 14, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Local supporters of the coffee business were welcomed into the new establishment that has been in the works for two years.
Back in 2019, two William & Mary alum, James Kroll and Victoria Goldsby, opened their own coffee business, specializing in nitro cold brew coffees and tea.
Column 15 quickly became a popular business among locals, serving their products at farmer’s markets and other spots around the community.
Goldsby said that permanently establishing their coffee house has been a two-year effort with much help from the community.
“I’m overwhelmed with joy,” she said. “There are so many people out here from so many different parts of our story.”
The new location of their roastery will provide customers with different varieties of their “third-wave coffee,” as well as tours, tastings, and an overall interactive experience.
Branded as “the science of good coffee,” Column 15’s mission is to not only bring craft coffee and beverages to Williamsburg, but to make the Hampton Roads Peninsula Virginia’s source for quality coffee.
“To have these young entrepreneurs who are focused and committed to their business is awesome,” said Toni Chavis, president of York County Chamber of Commerce. “I’m looking forward to them being here a long time and becoming a staple of the community.”
Just a few doors down from their coffee bar in the James-York Plaza, the new location features an in-house roasting and brewing area, a coffee bar, and a sleek lounge, perfect for studying and socializing.
Mai-Anh Tran is the co-owner of DiscoverTeas, which provides the tea for Column 15’s popular nitro tea.
“You love to see your fellow small-business people succeed and thrive,” she said. “It’s great to see this energy in Williamsburg. They put so much passion into it, it’s incredible.”
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Kroll and Goldsby spoke about their journey from their coffee bar a few doors down to opening their permanent spot.
“This first existed as just an idea on a legal pad,” Kroll said.
“Started from the bottom, literally. Now we’re here,” Goldsby added.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was followed by an official grand opening celebration on Saturday, May 15.
The whole community was invited to come to check out the new location, where they were giving out free coffee all day.
Column 15’s new location is officially open to all coffee lovers in the area.
