Buckhead Coffee Shop is a little treasure located in the Dimple of the Universe

The first shot of espresso was pulled on a cold January morning in 2002. That day also marked the first time the public and the community of Columbia, Tenn. had seen Buckhead Coffee Shop. Debbie Cooper began her journey with Buckhead in 2002 when she decided to ditch her banking job and become a manager at the tiny coffee shop off of Trotwood Ave.  Cooper worked as the manager before becoming close friends with the previous owner. After her ideas spread to the owner and they both decided to make the hometown company more appealing, Cooper became the owner of Buckhead, changing the course of the small coffee shop.

There are many regulars that come inside of Buckhead, especially the Trotwood Ave. location close to the downtown arts and business districts. Travis Taylor, a resident from Spring Hill but now claims that he’s a Columbian forever, frequents Buckhead “more than he can willingly admit.”

“Buckhead is a little treasure in Columbia, right off the busiest road in the town, but it’s so calm and quiet once you’re inside. I come in everyday, not just for my black coffee, but for the atmosphere and the baristas, of course.”

Similar to Travis, there have been several Saturday mornings I’ve spent editing stories and drinking coffee at Buckhead. The coffee house is set perfectly inside a humble abode; a small house tucked inside a hill off of Trotwood Ave.

The old door, paneled with glass, squeaks every time it is opened, but opens up a world of pure delight. The inside is filled with treasures unlike any Starbucks. The counter, where the espresso machine rests and pulls some of the best espresso in the South, is filled with homemade pastries, cookies, cakes and other confections. Buckhead is even on the progressive side offering vegan options. The best part, though, is that Buckhead is not just a coffee shop, it’s an all-out-eatery. They’re menu is chocked full of a variety of hometown options, including vegetarian and vegan options.

Leather chairs, eccentric couches, tables of various sizes and heights and desk-like surfaces fill the small space, decorated with plants and knick-knacks. The Trotwood location was recently redecorated by Cooper and the space is filled with art by local artists; the front wall of the shop is plastered with a mural that features a buck decorated with flowers and symbolism related to Columbia. Buckhead is big on holding Columbia close and making sure it’s branded in every way possible.

Cooper has made Buckhead a small-town success; she has opened four other Buckhead locations since her first run in 2002. Not only has she spread her wings and littered Maury county with various Buckhead’s, she has also opened a wine and cheese style restaurant in Columbia entitled “Buck and Board.” Cooper feels fulfilled with Buckhead and now Buck and Board.

“I’ve been really fortunate to enjoy as many regular customers and have so many coworkers I enjoy spending time with for the last 17 years. It truly is fulfilling in almost every way. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me, Buckhead and now, Buck and Board.”

The future looks bright for Buckhead and Cooper. Taylor surely won’t stop his regular run to Buckhead, no matter what.

“Aside from the atmosphere, the coffee is delicious, with the ability to buy bags of certain flavors and funky concoctions  for lattes that taste delicious. It’s been around for over over a decade in a small southern town for a reason.”