The Little Coffeehouse That Could...Again.

Corrections for Feature Story:

The Little Coffeehouse That Could

Still Waters Coffeehouse in Gray, Tennessee, reminisces on the behind-the-scenes beginnings that prepared them for their success today.

Nestled between Johnson City and Kingsport, Still Waters Coffeehouse offers a seamless blend of diversity and coffee unlike any other small business in the area. Off the exit between two of the three Tri-Cities, Still Waters is the only locally owned and operated coffeehouse, inviting community support.

While in Still Waters, one should expect the competitive symphony of sounds: milk frothing, people talking, children laughing and baristas shouting names of beverages. Seated within these walls are individuals from all walks of life, diverse ages and students focused on their laptops.

This community of the Tri-Cities has supported the small business during the highs and lows of the COVID-19 pandemic. Opening in January 2020 afforded challenges for owners, Erik and Breeana Franz, but if it were not for the close knit and supportive community, the coffeehouse would have closed their doors. Although Still Waters is a gathering place for many to order gourmet coffee and rest, the small business would have never opened if it were not for the relentless efforts and dreams of the Franz family.

The beginnings of Still Waters Coffeehouse run deep as it begins with a love story in Baltimore, Maryland, in 2001. Both Erik and Breeana began as family friends whose mothers advocated for their relationship. Growing up in a small community allowed these two inseparable families to devote time to one another every Sunday after church.

“It was a tradition that after church we would go out to eat at Wendy’s and then get ice cream at Baskin Robbins,” Breeana said.

Their friendship flourished as Erik and Breanna spent every Sunday together. However, visits and conversation dwindled when Breeana’s family moved to Florida. Years passed as both Erik and Breeana pursued their dreams, bringing Breanna back to Baltimore where Erik still resided. Time and distance made their hearts grow fonder as they pursued dating for 11 months, engaged for three and married August 23, 2013. Just one month after marriage, the newlyweds were pregnant.

In 2016, the Franz family moved to Appalachia to put down their roots. Finding a home in Gray, Tennessee, allowed the family to begin their journey in a new state, new community and for Erik, a new job. Erik worked tirelessly for Amazon but did not find reward nor passion in his work.

“We wanted something different. Like opening a coffeehouse, which is a big risk financially. I was already burning out at Amazon and opening a coffeehouse would be tiring too,” Erik said.

Early mornings and late evenings resulted in exhaustion; however, with a wife and a child, Erik continued to work ceaselessly. Each night as Erik returned from work, he and Breeana would lay the grounds of their pipe dream coffeehouse. Breeana, busy with a toddler, continued to motivate Erik during of hardship.

“I pushed him, for him, because I knew he would excel in this environment rather than corporate America. Working for a big business is emotionally draining, but ultimately it is hard to find satisfaction when it is not your vision or your dream,” Breeana said.

With gumption and vigor, Erik stepped away from his corporate job, but late nights and early mornings continued as Breanna and Erik stayed up most nights till 2 a.m., laying the foundations of their business. When asked on the beginnings of a business, Erik tells all:

“When starting a business, it is like politics. Before you start running, you have to have people behind you and plan for the campaign. After a year of planning, we opened in January of 2020,” Erik said.

The ironic beginnings of Still Waters lies in the Franz’ restlessness in creating a space for their community to relax. After the busy two-week period of the door swinging both ways, Erik and Breeana knew their coffeehouse was something special.

Success and perseverance affirmed the family’s aspirations of community rest while they struggled finding it. When the pandemic hit, the small business questioned how to continue. With one child and the couple expecting, the Franz’ found the support of the community and staff to keep the coffeehouse grinding.

“Unlike other coffeehouses that have 20 employees, we have always wanted a smaller team to live off of their wages. We only have three employees, and they get 27-32 hours a week which is good for them. We love to take care of our employees, to be a blessing to them,” Erik said.

Julie Duncan has worked as a barista at Still Waters Coffeehouse since May of 2021. Recently married and new to Gray, Still Waters is a place for her to get plugged into the community. Duncan has decided to return to East Tennessee State University in the fall for the nursing program. With a full plate, Still Waters has been a place for Duncan to earn a living to support her family between schooling. Her words and actions reflect admiration for Erik and Breeana.

“Erik and Breeana are awesome and care about you. They don’t treat you like another barista, but like family. I love kids and love that they value family, and it is fun to see all the families come here,” Duncan said.

Still Waters invites the community to come as they are: children and all. The Franz’ encourage this belief by having their children regularly in the coffee shop.

“Our children see this place as their second home. They love it here and sometimes it is hard for them to leave,” Breeana said.

Balancing two children, homeschooling and running a coffeehouse is not easy, but the Franz’ have found a way to make it work. With a small staff of three and a system around homeschooling, Erik and Breeanna have made Still Waters their second home.

While relaxing in Still Waters, it would also not be out of the ordinary to see students studying. Masny students from ETSU and Northeast State Community College find themselves in Still Waters to write, study, get their fix of caffeine or to rest.

Madison Simounet, a psychology student at NESCC, recently began coming to Still Waters as she drove by it daily on her way to school.

“I come here often now. It’s really chill, relaxed and comfortable. I like to spend my time here because it has a calm, peaceful atmosphere,” Simounet said.

As Erik and Breeana juggle homeschooling, their marriage and their small business, they do not diminish the tiresome efforts behind the scenes.

“The work for running a small business is not for the faint of heart, we have been blessed. We live off of what God has provided for us,” Breanna said. “Yes, it is rewarding but there is a heavy amount of it being exhausting, it is worth it, but insanely exhausting.”

Although drained, the Franz’ highlight the importance of why they continue to upkeep their small business.

“When you come to Still Waters, you are helping us pay for college, helping us put food on our tables, helping our baristas pay their mortgage. The impact is huge when you shop local,” Erik said.

The final hours of the evening allow the Franz family to unwind to reflect on why they run their business—and the answer is simple. Their coffeehouse has become an invitation for people to come as they are to rest amidst the traumas of life.

An anonymous journal sits in Still Waters that invites customers to write their experience. These entries are a helpful reminder that life is hard, but the Franz’ provide a place for community.

The anonymous journal entry from Oct. 28, 2020, is a constant reminder for Erik and Breeana:

“This last week has been a rough week. I have been struggling with loneliness, motivation for online classes, and COVID has not helped social anxiety the few times I leave my apartment. Don’t get me wrong, I love my friends and meeting new people, but I’m scared to go back to a world full of people that I have to interact with again. I am in a time of situational depression. Today I made myself leave my apartment so I came here to find some kind of social interaction from the baristas (who are great), see other humans, and find some motivation to do my school work. This place got me out of bed today. Thank you, Still Waters.” -a struggling junior at ETSU

Therefore, coffee is served, the doors are opened and the Franz’ continue to run Still Waters. Their pipe dream has become a reason for many to keep going. That is the genuine reason for community and connection, to see others when they feel unseen. Thank you, Still Waters Coffeehouse, for bridging this gap.