Cuppy’s Coffee (NOW called THREE LUMPS COFFEE HOUSE)

11 Responses to “Cuppy’s Coffee (NOW called THREE LUMPS COFFEE HOUSE)”

1. Aaron on February 27th, 2007 8:57 am

   I actually visited this location the other day…having just passed them in traffic. I spend a length of time talking with the owners Mike & Danielle Wallace and getting their view of coffee in Mckinney, TX. The chain is fairly new and was started as a buyout of the assets of the old Java Joe’s chain that ran into some IRS problems. Haven’t tried the coffee yet, but I will the next visit.

   For reference, if anyone is interested in these franchises please give me a hollar first as we found out some curious issues in our visit with Mike and Danielle.

2. Jason Haeger on February 27th, 2007 4:32 pm

   “Curious issues”… that doesn’t sound to brilliant.

3. Hal on March 27th, 2007 11:09 am

   Well, I have been to the shop in McKinney with results on opposite ends of the spectrum. first two visits were during the morning hours, the girl barista made a mocha latte that was wonderful other than a bit too sweet (which many like)
   Last night I stopped by there and a young man who stated he had been working there for 2 months made a double latte for me. I cringed at the howling when he was steaming the milk. Many other things really disappointed me, including the lack of use of a tamper which was setting right next to the grinder.
   I usually ask the barista for the milk to reach 150 when steaming but forgot. He must have been telepathic because I nearly burned my hand picking up the cup.
   Drove off and braved a sip after about 15 miles. Wish I would have just found the nearest trash can and tossed it but I paid too much. I tried but couldn’t handle the scalded milk taste, not to mention the shots were weak and overpowered.
   I had made up my mind I was going to ask for a double espresso shot straight but changed to something safer.
   I guess it’s always buyer beware when you enter a new shop. Maybe there’s a market for a “be your own barista” shop…

4. Danielle on March 27th, 2007 9:10 pm

   Hal:
   My husband and I own the Cuppy’s in McKinney and I am sorry to hear about your experience. I am the barista in the morning and am glad that you liked your experienc then. However our goal is to provide our customers with the best service and product ALL THE TIME. We would ask that you give us an opportunity to make it right. Feel free to come in any time and order what ever you like on the house. Being a new business and constantly hiring new people it is difficult to know how our baristas are performing in our absence, which is why we will soon be making customer surveys available. Thank you so much for your honesty, it is extremely helpful to us. We look forward to meeting you and making your experience at Cuppy’s the best it can be.

   Regards,
   Danielle

5. Jason Haeger on March 27th, 2007 9:23 pm

   Hi Danielle. Great display of customer service.

   I’ll try to visit the next time I’m in the area.

   It’ll be sometime in June, I believe. I don’t think any sooner, but certainly not later.

6. hal on April 2nd, 2007 4:40 pm

   Thanks Danielle,
   I will visit again and no, I don’t plan on asking for a free cup. Knowing you are working to maintain consistancy and provide a good experience all the time will prod me to come back there. I was just surprised at the difference between my first two experiences and my third. Night and day. Next time I will try to remember before I leave the shop and taste.
   I have spent my professional career in customer service, so it thrills me when people tell me they want to make it right. Kinda gives you hope that there are people who care about what customers think.

   Hal

7. Joe on April 24th, 2007 9:28 pm

   Hi Danielle,
   I am interested in opening a cuppy’s and looking for a little advice. Any thoughts? How was your start up experience?

   Joe

8. Jeff on May 5th, 2007 4:55 am

   I am interested in opening a cuppy’s as well. I would love to hear from current owners. Are your expectations being met? Also, My retail store may not be approved for a drive thru however, it is in a prime traffic location. Does anyone own a inline cafe without a drive thru? Interested in your thoughts, too. Thanks!

9. Arthur on May 12th, 2007 10:05 pm

   Has anyone noticed that Cuppy’s Coffee in McKinney has changed their name? They are now Three Lumps Coffee House (http://www.threelumpscoffee.com). From what I understand, it is under the same ownership and still using Caffee D’arte coffee, they simply changed names. When I went in last, they had an improved food offering and an expanded menu. I’m glad they’re still there because we love their coffee and the friendly service! BTW, I really like their website also.

   Best of luck guys - we love having you on the “east side” of McKinney!

   Arthur

10. Hal on May 16th, 2007 8:44 pm

    I stopped in yesterday on my way back from Dallas and noticed the name change. Barista working there said owner felt the franchise was not holding up their end and since she had no contractual obligation felt the way to go was to privatize.
    A shame a national franchise would leave someone hanging out there, if that is the case, but I hope they make it on their own. I dropped $6 to help the cause and a tip for the barista. From the look of the tip jar, they must be doing some business. Good for them!

11. Jason Haeger on May 16th, 2007 10:20 pm

    Independent now? Great! That’s terrific.

    Franchises can sometimes do much more harm than good. You don’t want to be locked in to any long-term obligation. At least it wasn’t a contract.

    I’ll make a trip when I’m back in DFW next month. I’ll be getting in a few days earlier than the competition begins.

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