When Kelsey Waletich purchased the building at 722 Main Street in Britton, she had no idea what the business inside it would eventually become.
The building, which had previously housed the Prayer Rock Museum and later a bistro, became home to The Painted Past, an upcycled furniture store Waletich opened after purchasing the property. When her sister, Erin Pruitt, moved back to the area, the two began working together, with Waletich offering painting classes and Pruitt making signs. Then they had an idea.
“We thought a coffee house would add to the ambiance,” Waletich said. The coffee shop was added to The Painted Past about eight years ago. On its first day, the business sold 75 coffees, giving the sisters an early indication they had found something the community wanted. “We knew we had something,” Waletich said.
After the success of the coffee side of the business, The Painted Past evolved into Cups, the coffee shop and gathering place it is today. What started simply with coffee, matcha, iced drinks and energy drinks has continued to grow over the years. Cups now offers baked goods, lunch, breakfast, specialty coffees, iced coffee, smoothies, protein shakes, Lotus and Plant Pop energy drinks and other beverages.
Much of that growth has come from listening to customers.
THIS IS A SPONSORED STORY. TO READ THE FULL STORY, SEE THIS WEEK'S JOURNAL OR CALL TO BECOME AN ONLINE SUBSCRIBER AT 605-448-2281
