Meet Stacey Hunt | Coffee Shop Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stacey Hunt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stacey, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was a fourth grade writing teacher for over a decade and I DRANK a lot of coffee, but I always had a heart for food and hospitality. I love people and wanted a place where they could come and build community over a great cup of coffee and tasty food.

I saw an opportunity five years ago in my small rural town of Hillsboro, TX population <10,000. I retired from teaching and chased my dream.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I want Overflow Coffee Co to be known for above and beyond service. Our team should strive to make people’s day. It is not hard to smile and say yes as often as reasonably possible. It’s something I can model, but cannot force; it has to be intrinsic to a person’s character, an intangible asset. I’m surrounded by a team of people who also love people. To work at the shop, you don’t have to love coffee, but you DO have to love people.

Along the way, I’ve learned so much about the business side of things too. This is very important and can tank your business if it isn’t managed properly. There were many times, especially during Covid when I didn’t know if we could survive financially. I hired a bookkepper and a CPA to keep us above board. My gifting is in cooking and hospitality, but I force myself to look at the daily numbers. I know the break even numbers for each location. I know that my sales tax is due on the 20th of each month and rent is due on the 1st.

The BEST part of my job are the people! I have made so many friends that I didn’t know before owning Overflow. People yell out that they love me when I give them their order. It’s really the best gig for me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Canon Chinese Kitchen Roy Pope for custard with pistachios
Central Market is my old stomping ground. I worked in deli/cheese and kitchen back in the early 2000’s when they opened on Hulen St. It’s a foodie paradise and the outdoor seating is abundant.
Sundance Square or Tributary Cafe on an evening with live music.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Right before the opportunity to say YES to taking over the Fort Worth shop, my buddy Preston McReynolds was leading worship at the Hillsboro shop. It was a farewell gathering for him as he’d been coming to Overflow for cappuccinos for the past five years but was moving his family to NOLA for chicory cafe au laits. He prayed a very powerful prayer on July 22 and on July 26th, I was on my way to having a Fort Worth location by August 2. So thanks for all the prayers and encouragement and drinks bought, Preston. I miss you and your precious family.

Website: https://overflowcoffeeco.square.site/

Instagram: @overflowcoffee.co

Image Credits
Chris Winston