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How Annika Baylis Built Prickly Pear Coffee Co. from a Coffee Cart
TLDR
Before starting Prickly Pear Coffee Co., Annika (Van Nest) Baylis was already learning the craft as a barista. When the pandemic hit, she began making coffee on her own and serving it from a folding table with a small Breville machine. At just 18 years old and still in high school, she took her setup to events and shopping centers to practice her craft and connect with customers.
By the summer of 2020, she had upgraded to a professional espresso machine and her coffee cart began gaining attention. That cart eventually became two brick-and-mortar locations, which have now grown into three Nashville storefronts on Commerce Street, Division Street, and Bowline Avenue.
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Growing Through Challenges
Moving from a mobile setup to permanent stores required courage and adaptability. Annika faced the challenges of hiring and managing staff, keeping quality consistent, and making decisions that impacted her team’s livelihoods. She learned to trust her staff with key responsibilities, creating a stronger and more capable business.
The menu changes seasonally to keep things exciting for customers. This summer featured drinks like the shaken blueberry matcha lemonade, hibiscus honey latte, and banana latte. Annika’s personal favorite is the snickerdoodle latte, a comforting choice that has become a customer favorite as well.
Brewing Coffee and Conversations
Prickly Pear Coffee Co. also connects with the community through its podcast, where Annika chats with entrepreneurs over coffee about business strategies, personal journeys, and exciting projects on the horizon. The coffee itself is sustainably sourced, roasted locally in Cookeville, Tennessee, and carefully chosen for quality, with beans that are single-origin, mold-free, and premium grade.
From sourcing beans to training baristas, every step is about creating a consistent and memorable coffee experience. Prickly Pear’s mission is simple: to be in the city for the city while giving back in ways that matter.
If you are a first-time cafe owner or are thinking about starting your own coffee shop, Annika offers consultations to share her experience and help guide your journey. And if you want to offer your customers the convenience of fast mobile ordering like the big chains, you can check out Per Diem to make it happen.
Final Thoughts
In five years, Annika Baylis has grown Prickly Pear Coffee Co. from a folding table to a multi-location business. Her journey is one of steady learning, resilience, and community building. For anyone looking to start a coffee business, her story shows what is possible with dedication and a willingness to keep moving forward.
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All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription