New Elmira Holy Grounds Coffee Shop offers locally-sourced products

Tina Smith spent years serving coffee to other people as an employee of Starbucks.

During that time and beyond, Smith also dreamed of someday owning her own coffee shop.

That dream came true Thursday when representatives from the Chemung County Chamber of Commerce and other supporters joined Smith for the official grand opening of her new business, Holy Grounds Coffee Shop.

Smith was working for a Starbucks in Oklahoma City when in 2016, she and her husband, a Watkins Glen native who owns a construction company, moved to the Elmira area to be closer to several family members.

The goal of opening her own place was already strong at that time, but it took another eight years to finally realize it, said Smith, who said all the hard work was worth it.

"Oh my gosh, it doesn't feel real," she said. "I'm here 14 hours a day and it doesn't bother me. I have a broken foot but that didn't stop me. I enjoy everything we do. It is a labor of love."

It didn't hurt that Smith had some connections in the construction industry.

Her husband and his company handled all the renovations at the former Elmira Savings Bank branch location, she said.

Holy Grounds is not only locally owned and operated, it features locally-sourced coffee beans and other products, including breakfast, lunch and snack offerings.

"We're so happy and so proud of you," Chemung County Chamber of Commerce President Jennifer Herrick-McGonigal said while welcoming Smith as the chamber's newest member.

The coffee shop's motto is "Every cup is a hug in a mug" and Smith said she wants customers to not only enjoy a great cup of coffee, but to feel at home.

Smith has six employees and they were busy Thursday morning catering to a crowd of customers.

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Smith said she is overwhelmed by the support.

"I have 2,200 followers (on Facebook) in just nine weeks," she said. "I'm very grateful to the community."

For more information on Holy Grounds Coffee Shop, including hours and contact information, go to holygroundscoffeeshopelmira.com, or facebook.com/HolyGroundsCoffeeShop.

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