RICHMOND, Ky. — Purdy’s Coffee Company is one of many local businesses around the Commonwealth that have struggled throughout the pandemic.

The coffee shop is getting back on its feet after closing one of its locations for two years. Large-scale events like the yearly All “A” Classic increased Purdy’s business throughout the 5-day tournament by 10-15%.

Kristin and her husband Robert Purdy own Purdy’s Coffee Company in Richmond. The couple opened up their first location on Main Street nearly 10 years ago. Then, in March 2019, they opened a second location on Big Hill Avenue.

Amid the struggles of the pandemic, the Purdy’s closed their Main St. location, but in December 2021 they reopened with shortened hours to make things work for their customers that they hold close to their hearts.

“Two years ago, we had to shut our doors due to the pandemic. We’ve just recently reopened, so we’re operating on limited hours currently but are continuing to expand. Our Big Hill Ave location is our drive thru location and we have not had to adjust our hours there. With reopening Main St. and just the impact that the impact has had on our downtown,” said Kristin Purdy. 

The coffee shop’s Main St. location has struggled with staff shortages and supply chain issues which push their shipment dates for paper products and food back weeks at a time.

Purdy said she’s optimistic with large-scale events like the All “A” Classic basketball tournament which brings a 10-15% increase in sales to the Main St. location.

Purdy’s Coffee Co. employee Savanna Gullett started working at the coffee shop after being an avid customer.

The Eastern Kentucky University junior now works at a place she grew up hanging out at. It’s a full circle moment that she’s encouraging her classmates to take up.

“All my friends that I go to school with, they’re like, ‘I really need a job while I’m in Richmond.’ I’m like, ‘Hello, come make coffee for a living!’ It’s the best job in the world. I love it so much,” said Gullet.

Gullet started working at the Purdy’s Coffee Company location on Big Hill Avenue just six months ago. She jumped at the opportunity in December 2021 to help reopen the location on Main St.

“I’ve grown up in Richmond, Kentucky, my whole life. Purdy’s Coffee has always been integrated into my social life. So once I heard the Main Street location was opening again, I got really excited about working here.” said Gullet.

When Purdy’s had to decide to close the Main St. location, it also shut down their event space they ran on the second floor. Gullett said the shortened hours allow her more time to focus on school but looks forward to the day of resumed regular hours.

“It is nice being a student, having those evenings and late afternoons open for homework and studying. I am hoping we do get this location open full time again,” said Gullet.

The Purdy’s are hoping for the same outcome and keeping their eye on the prize.

“Business in general, you have to have a lot of resilience to be able to navigate a lot of the challenges you’ll face and nobody ever anticipated a pandemic would be a part of that business plan,” said Purdy.

Purdy’s Coffee Company is looking to get back to their normal hours at their Main St. location in the next month.