CASTLE PINES, Colo. — It was anything but a typical first day of business for the brand new Ziggi’s Coffee in Castle Pines.
Owner Michelle Wiley said it looked much different than what they had planned, but they are working with what they can do.
“We’re just thrilled to be open, even if it’s just a drive-through,” she said.
The original plans for the coffee cafe included an indoor seating area. Wiley said she imagined it as a place people would gather, talk, do some work and enjoy a flavored coffee in a relaxed atmosphere. Then came the coronavirus, the stay-at-home order and a big change to the plans.
“We had to talk about taking away chairs or just re-arranging tables so that they are a little bit more separated so we can have that space between people in the café. And minimize the number of people that are able to come in at any one time,” Wiley said.
For now, Ziggi’s Coffee is drive-through only, serving customers face to face but between two windows. Among the many customers they had their first day was the mayor of Castle Pines.
The small town is so supportive of this new startup, the first 50 coffee drinks were paid for by the city.
Castle Rock Mayor Tera Radloff said the shop has truly adapted during this time.
“They figured out how to make it work and how to keep serving and how to fit into the new parameters," she said. "So I think in times like this, what we really get are solutions in people that emerge with great ideas and there’s definitely an upside to times like this.”
And that upside for the community is more than just a new place to grab a cup of coffee.
“It’s just so impactful to help some people from the community and have them working here with us during this difficult time and to provide them with work and a paycheck,” Wiley said.