News Summary
The University of South Carolina Development Foundation has purchased the Cool Beans Coffee Co. property at 1217 College St., ensuring the beloved local coffee shop remains a staple in the Columbia community. Owner Kitty Mirosavich, a proud USC graduate, will continue to run the café, which has served customers since 1997. This acquisition aligns with the foundation’s strategic growth plans as part of their ‘USC Next’ Master Plan, emphasizing support for local businesses and the community.
Columbia Welcomes Exciting News for Local Coffee Lovers!
Columbia, you’ve got a reason to smile! The University of South Carolina Development Foundation has just made a significant move by purchasing the beloved Cool Beans Coffee Co. property, located at 1217 College St. This charming coffee haven has been a staple in our community since 1997, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon!
A Home for Cool Beans
Situated just a stone’s throw away from USC’s historic Horseshoe, Cool Beans is not only a top spot for caffeine aficionados but also holds a special place in the hearts of USC students and alumni alike. The property acquisition took place in November 2024, and it appears that the foundation is truly keen on continuing the legacy of this beloved local establishment. Don’t worry, Columbia—Cool Beans will be serving up those delightful brews for the foreseeable future, and they have no plans to relocate!
Meet the Owner
The magic behind Cool Beans is none other than Kitty Mirosavich, a proud USC graduate. Kitty’s connection to the coffee shop runs deep. She worked there during her studies and later purchased it, proving that sometimes, love for a place runs in the family—or should we say the university spirit? Kitty also owns the College Grounds Café located within the same building, making her a key player in the local coffee scene.
USC Development Foundation’s Vision
The USC Development Foundation is no stranger to real estate transactions that aim to benefit the university community. With this recent acquisition, they have not disclosed any immediate plans for the property, which suggests a thoughtful approach as the foundation aligns its efforts with its ambitious “USC Next” Master Plan. This plan outlines the university’s growth strategy leading up to 2034, paving the way for an improved campus experience.
This latest purchase is part of a larger pattern of investments, including the Hunter-Gatherer Brewery property acquired at 900 Main St.. Just like Cool Beans, this location has historical significance, previously being Columbia’s first microbrewery for an impressive 29 years. It’s incredible to see a commitment to local businesses and infrastructure while preserving a sense of history in the community.
Property Ownership in the Neighborhood
Richland County property tax records reveal that the USC Development Foundation has been quite active in acquiring parcels along the College Street corridor, including 901 Sumter St., 1211 College St., and 820 Main St.. This indicates a strategic approach to real estate by focusing on properties that will support the university’s continued growth and development in the area.
What’s Next for Cool Beans?
So, what does this mean for our cherished Cool Beans Coffee Co.? For now, absolutely nothing’s changing! It’s business as usual for the dedicated team serving up your favorite drinks and delicious snacks. You can continue to pop by for your daily fix of that delicious aroma wafting through the air without a second thought.
The community surrounding USC has a vibrant connection to its local businesses, and Cool Beans stands as a testament to that. We can all breathe a sigh of relief knowing that our go-to coffee shop is secure and running strong.
As the University of South Carolina continues to grow and evolve, it seems committed to supporting local favorites like Cool Beans while fostering a lively, spirited community around the campus. Here’s to many more years of great coffee and even better conversations at Cool Beans!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The State: Local News
- Wikipedia: Coffee
- Post and Courier: USC Gamecocks Beverage Lab
- Google Search: Cool Beans Coffee Co. Columbia
- Observer: Ashley Poston Interview
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of South Carolina
- StyleBlueprint: University of Tennessee SEC
- Google News: USC Development Foundation
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, 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 Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
