PennWest Clarion SBDC Client Success Story
Brewing Successes: A Woman’s Journey from Coffee Enthusiast to Drive-Thru Empire

Lisa Feeney has always had a big dream of turning her love for coffee into her own little shop. Embarking on her journey, she started small, selling her coffee creations at Edgewood Winery every Monday and Friday. By doing so, Lisa was able to gain valuable insights from her customers and refine her craft.

“The PennWest Clarion SBDC has been a great resource for my small business. They helped plan out the business plan, financials, and marketing from our initial idea through to our current drive-thru setup.”

Fueled by her passion and the invaluable advice from Jason Strohm and the PennWest Clarion Small Business Development Center, Lisa decided to take a bold leap. She embarked on a new venture: Feeney’s Coffee Spot, a drive-thru coffee shop along State Route 56 in Armstrong County in January 2024. Positioned perfectly for the blue-collar workers in the area, Lisa’s shop became a spot for locals seeking their daily dose of caffeine and a warm community atmosphere. With determination and a clear vision, Lisa transformed her idea into a thriving business. Today, Feeney’s Coffee Spot is open every weekday morning, offering a diverse array of coffee flavors as well as teas, Italian Sodas, and Lotus energy drinks.

The SBDC played a pivotal role in Lisa’s journey, providing crucial assistance every step of the way. With their expert guidance, Lisa crafted a comprehensive business plan that outlined her goals and strategies. Additionally, the SBDC collaborated closely with Lisa to develop a strategic marketing plan tailored to her target audience, ensuring maximum visibility and customer engagement. Leveraging their expertise, the SBDC also aided in the creation of compelling marketing materials that showcased Lisa’s brand and offerings. Furthermore, the SBDC offered invaluable startup assistance, providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities that empowered Lisa to navigate the complexities of launching her own business with confidence and competence.

Lisa’s journey exemplifies the power of passion, perseverance, and strategic guidance. From modest beginnings to becoming a staple in the morning routines of commuters and locals alike, Lisa Feeney’s success is admirable. Through dedication and support of organizations like the Small Business Development Center, dreams can indeed brew into reality. Along with the Start-up assistance, PennWest Clarion’s SBDC helped Lisa with a business plan, financial plan, marketing plan and marketing materials.