CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Mug Shot Coffee Co. is a new addition to downtown’s Strawberry Alley, and it started as a joke between friends.
Mug Shot is located in the former Founding Frothers, whose owners moved to be with family earlier this year. Co-owner Maria Haycraft knew the owner and was approached by them with an offer to take over the spot.
Haycraft said the branding and black-and-white aesthetic was inspired by her husband’s job as an antique dealer and his vintage interests, saying, “He kind of threw the idea out of Mug Shot because he has vintage mugshot photos, and he thought it’d be cool.”
While Haycraft is interested in the business side of things, co-owner Gayla Parks runs the coffee side. “She loves coffee. This was her dream, and she approached me because I like business in general,” said Haycraft. She’d been half joking.
“I was not serious,” said Parks, saying she didn’t think anything would actually come of the request. “I said, ‘Maria, you wanna go half on me with a coffee shop?’ She said, ‘Well what are you talking?”
Parks was surprised but moved forward, taking two weeks to find a coffee that would work for Mug Shot and partnering with a local roaster.
The walls are decorated with arrest mugshots of various celebrities, from Elvis Presley to Jimi Hendrix to Kurt Cobain. While most are actual jail booking photos, some are from movies or other projects.
NEW TO CLARKSVILLE? Check out our Newcomer’s Guide
Haycraft says Mug Shot is moving forward well. “We stay busy. People come every day that we’re open. We are definitely learning what works and doesn’t work because this is definitely a new kind of business for both of us. It’s been a fun journey.”
Mug Shot Coffee Co. is located at 111 Strawberry Alley and offers iced and decaf options. They also offer tea, Italian soda, and a variety of sandwiches and pastries.
Chris Smith contributed to this report.
BUSINESS OWNERS: Click here for a consultation for marketing your business on Clarksville Now