KENT, Ohio — Have you heard of sports coffee shops? Two female entrepreneurs have brought the concept to downtown Kent, opening State Champ on Franklin Avenue.
State Champs will have its grand opening on Saturday, April 13th at 10am. The shop will feature giveaways, drinks, special guests and games for kids.
Customers couldn't resist stopping by on Friday to check out the coffee and sports offerings. We love the decor…the TV…it's amazing,” said Lauren Parnell of Stowe.
People are trying to figure out what Browns memorabilia, televised sports, championship shirts, and bobbleheads actually have to do with lattes.
“I think we both saw it on Instagram. We're always looking for new coffee shops, and this one was really cool because it's kind of sports themed and we're always looking for new coffee shops. He's a great sportsman,” Ryan Parnell said.
Husband and wife team Ryan and Lauren Purnell hope State Champs will be a welcome distraction from sports bars, saying, “Neither of us are big drinkers. People always ask me if I want to,” Parnell said.
“I think this will be a regular hangout spot for us,” Lauren Parnell continued.
Co-owners Aly Ekran and Kathy Kopp want everyone to feel at home, whether they're coffee lovers or sports enthusiasts.
“Someone came in and was like, 'I didn't know much about coffee before, but now I know I'm an iced mocha person, so you're right!'” If you're like, , I don't really care about sports, but Caitlin Clark comes on TV every time we go to the state championships, so now I know her story.'' said Eclarin.
The co-owners are passionate supporters of women's sports and feature female athletes and games on store decor and televisions to level the playing field for men and women.
“We had a sign up and it was closed, and they were looking in the window like this was a big deal to us. There were women on the wall. They were like, 'You're a woman in sports. We were like, “Yes, we're on the air pretty regularly.'' Eclarin said.
But this shop is committed to hosting your favorite games and teams all year round. Kathy Kopp said, “Some people are asking if we can use the Steelers, but I'm fine with that.''
If you think about it, sports and coffee both mean togetherness, human connection. If these two get married at State Champs, it could be a pairing as classic as coffee and caramel.
“There are some modest aspects, but there is also a younger generation that comes in wanting to learn more about sports.My father used to watch soccer, but I’m not really interested in soccer, but I do like women’s basketball. “This is a safe place to do that,'' Kopp said.
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