CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – L&L Caffeinated recently opened their storefront in Clarksville after serving residents throughout Montgomery County in a mobile coffee shop.
Owner Courtney Miralrio told Clarksville Now the process of opening her own coffee shop began in 2024 in the aftermath of the 2023 tornado, in which her family’s property was heavily damaged and they lost a lot of personal assets.
“Obviously, we had to restart,” Miralrio said. “So, we decided why not use our personal property money they give you to invest in a business? I think the flash of, ‘Man you can really lose everything in 15 seconds,’ makes me ask myself what’s the worst that can happen: That I lose everything again?”
Mobile coffee shop
Miralrio said she had dreamed of opening her own coffee shop after working for a number of coffee companies, including Starbucks, which is where she had found her passion for coffee. She originally wanted to work out of an old-school ice cream truck before realizing a trailer would require less maintenance.
After purchasing a horse trailer in June 2024, Miralrio and her husband worked night and day to get the business started in just over a month. L&L Caffeinated stayed on the road that way until December, and while they do still have the trailer for events and parties, an opportunity arose at the beginning of this year to open their own brick and mortar.
“Honestly, I did pretty well in the trailer, then this opportunity arose to open a brick and mortar,” Miralrio said. “We decided, Let’s do it, and same thing: We worked night and day and had it opened in over a month. We got the keys at the end of January and opened in February. Obviously, things are still coming along as we’re going, but I’m the type of person who has to jump into something for it to happen.”
Miralrio said while their menu is shortened for the time being, starting March 15, they’ll have more blended options, as well as additional specialty and seasonal drinks.
She said one of the most popular drinks they serve right now is the Iced Pick Me Up, which is made with tiramisu, white mocha and chocolate drizzle. Her personal favorite is the Pistachio White Mocha. L&L Caffeinated also serves matcha, chai and iced teas.
‘Clarksville thrives on supporting small businesses’
As a small-business owner, Miralrio said her big thing is building a connection with customers. “It’s really nice when I come in here and I can talk to each person. I’m not just an owner that you’ll never get to meet in person. Obviously, I have an employee that’s here to help, but I really do enjoy working in the coffee shop myself.”
Having moving to Clarksville from California, she’s seen firsthand how the community thrives on supporting small businesses, something she didn’t see as much of out West. “I think it’s a different type of connection; you really see people reaching for their dreams. When you spend your money on a small business, you’re also helping your local economy.”
Miralrio told Clarksville Now the baked goods they sell, as well as their merchandise and items on their vendor shelves, come directly from other local small businesses. Baked good options include sourdough and muffins, among other items.
L&L Caffeinated is at 608 Washington St., near Wicked Good Sandwiches, and the business hours are 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with the storefront closed on Sundays.
To learn more, visit L&L Caffeinated’s Facebook page and Instagram.
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