SHELBY — A new shop has entered the city of Shelby. Whether you like iced lattes, bubble tea, hot tea or smoothies, Bubble Bean and Sweets truly has something for everyone.
The new shop opened its location Wednesday in the space previously occupied by Ivory Bean Coffee House at 44 E. Main St.
Bubble Bean and Sweets is a business forged by connection and friendship. The shop is co-owned by Jennifer Lepard, Violet Burgan, Lynne Burgan and Lepard’s father, Rick Moser.
Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Friday, March 13 will be the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for Bubble Bean and Sweets. The shop will open at 6 a.m. like normal, but pause at 11 a.m. to cut the ribbon, then go back to normal operations.
“We will have quite a few more pastries out that day and some samples for people to try,” Lepard said.
A business built on friendship and connection
“We work wonderfully together,” Lepard added. “Violet and Lynne have become very good friends, almost like family. It’s been great that we can do this adventure together.”
The friendship and connection between them extends beyond their partnership — serving as a major motivator for their new endeavor.
“We heard the community and got their feedback,” Lepard said. “They said we just want consistency.”
Students from the high school also helped influence the shop’s hours. Lepard said it was important to provide students with a place to gather, study and work on projects.
“When you’re in small communities like this, where do kids go so that they can hang out and be safe,” Lepard said. “I want them to be able to come here.”
Once Ivory Bean Coffee House closed, Lepard said they knew they wanted to offer something new rather than let the building remain empty.
“Our goal was to give back to the community,” Lepard said. “They have been supporting all three of us, so this is our way of turning everything around and giving back.”
A vision becomes reality in downtown Shelby
“Today so far has been great, people are coming in and have been very patient with us,” she said. “It’s been fun.”
The night before opening, Lepard, Violet and Lynne invited family and friends for a preview taste test to help them prepare before opening to the public.
Lepard said they all three previously operated their own shops at Little Shops of Shelby, with Violet and Lynne selling baked goods and Lepard specializing in teas.
“Angel, the former owner (Ivory Bean Coffee Shop), told Violet they had the business up for sale,” Lepard said. “Violet said to me, ‘You have to come talk to Angel.’”
From there, Lepard said she saw the vision for their future brick-and-mortar location. After facing hurdles and attempting to secure a loan to purchase the building, another buyer ultimately purchased the property.
“They really didn’t want the coffee shop, so he asked Angel if she knew anyone and that put us in contact,” Lepard said. “It was like a blessing in disguise for us to get this opportunity.”
After presenting a business plan to the new building owner, he agreed to lease the space and allow them to open Bubble Bean and Sweets.
Prior to opening the storefront, the three women worked together in a concession trailer over the summer, owned by Lepard, where they sold beverages.
“We were already doing bubble teas, smoothies, slushies and even iced coffee but nothing with espresso machines and grinding our own beans,” she said.
Ivory Bean Coffee House closed its doors in September, and Bubble Bean and Sweets received the keys Thanksgiving weekend.
“We kind of thought we were going to be open by Christmas but other things came up and every time we would get to a date, life happened,” Lepard said. “But today is our day and we are thrilled.”
Big plans ahead for Bubble Bean and Sweets
Bubble Bean and Sweets offers all espresso drinks with several flavored syrups, including sugar free options. Other drink offerings include bubble teas, sweet tea, organic lemonade, slushies, smoothies and hot teas.
“We also brought in what’s called daily dose and matcha mushroom,” Lepard said.
Daily Dose supports gut health, brain function and energy, while Matcha Mushroom adds smooth, crash-free energy to hot or iced teas. The shop also sells Daily Dose creamer, which adds collagen and protein to drinks.
For traditional coffee drinkers Bubble Bean and Sweets offers classic Maxwell House coffee.
“You just come in and tell me if you want a 12 oz or 24 oz and I’ll send you right around the corner where you have everything ready for you – with free refills available,” she said.
Lynne serves as the shop’s in-house baker, preparing items from scratch using her grandmother’s recipes. Fresh bread will be available daily.
Future offerings include a salad bar, potato bar, dirty sodas and more. Lepard said they plan to continue growing and expanding while creating a welcoming space for the community.
They are working with Little Shops of Shelby for events, Ladies Night on the second Thursday of each month and offer catering for parties, baby showers, meetings and other group events.
Customers will be able to use a regular mug, plate and silverware when dining in to add to the second-home feel, she noted.
“The goal was we want people to feel like this is another home,” Lepard said.
(More photos of Bubble Bean and Sweets. Credit: Hannah Martin)
