Tin Cup: More than a cup of Joe

Shafter may be a small city, but it boasts a local coffee shop that rivals any you might find in a city ten times its size. With a warm, unique atmosphere, locally roasted coffee, artistically swirled lattes, deliciously on-trend food offerings, live music and Americanos with enough crema to satisfy even the snobbiest of coffee snobs, Tin Cup is a place you want to be.

Located at the corner of Beech Avenue and Lerdo Highway, attached to the Ford Theater, Tin Cup is so much more than just a place for great coffee.

Tin Cup opened in August 2017 when the previous proprietors, Covenant Coffee, gave up the space. Manager Shakira Willis said that the name Tin Cup brings to mind sitting by a campfire, with a warm tin cup of coffee in your hand. The décor matches that vision, with rustic wood tables, corrugated metal walls, and stools made out of antique seed hoppers. The food is even served in big tin dishes. It's a nod to simple country life, with coffee and food offerings for modern people.

With the transition to Tin Cup came an extensive (and cleverly named) food menu that includes sandwiches, soups, breakfast items and fresh pastries made daily by Marcie Starrh. A customer favorite is the Okie Dokie Artichokie Salad, with mixed greens, feta, artichokes, onions, tomatoes, pepperoncinis and chipotle and ranch dressing. You could also try a Spicy Oinker Sandwich -- turkey, bacon, mixed greens and chipotle sauce on ciabatta bread. Or indulge in a current food trend and new item to the menu, one of the Acai Bowls, with fresh fruit and tasty toppings.

Owner Michelle Starrh said that the business has been amazing since the transition and the community has really supported the business. They have a loyal following, as well as new customers daily. Willis shared, "We have our regular groups that come in, such as the Mennonite Church, who take up a big table, as well as the Shafter group that comes together every Saturday morning and brings their classic cars and has coffee and fellowship."

Tin Cup takes pride in using local growers and distributors where possible. They continue to use local roasters, Covenant Coffee. The pepper is produced locally, and the honey comes from local farmer Mike Mulligan. They also have partnered with Grimmway Academy of Shafter to grow all of the salad lettuces. "When the trouble came with the romaine lettuce being taken off shelves and off menus, it didn't affect us, because Grimmway actually grows our romaine in their edible garden," stated Willis. "We even named a side salad 'The Grimmway' in honor of them."

Tin Cup is open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. If you just need that quick cup of coffee and maybe a Pesto Change-O Caprese Panini to go, they also have a convenient drive-thru window. And free wi-fi makes it the perfect place for a lunch business meeting, or a spot to fuel up on caffeine, hunker down, and get some work done.

A corner of the space is marked for live performances and they have hosted music nights, highlighting local musicians who want a chance to showcase their talent.

In addition, Willis shared, "We have the Ford Theater in our backyard with an amazing stage, so we would love to have more events that would combine the two." Starrh mentioned, "We have had a few events at the theater where we would partner with them and keep our place open during the show and it has worked out great. We would love to do more of that in the future."

According to Willis, the Tin Cup is foremost a top-notch coffeehouse, but with its eyes and ears open, ready to listen to the needs of the community. Stop by and see them at 1101 E. Lerdo Avenue, and find them on Facebook and Instagram @tincupcoffeeshafter.