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Kidd Coffee

What it's really about at Middletown's Kidd Coffee is connecting with each one of the customers.

"I think we offer a different atmosphere than some of our competition," said Tammy Flynn, who owns and operates the business with her husband, Mike and their three sons, Travis, 19, Cole, 17 and Zach, 14. "Our customers tell me that they don't always connect with people at some of the other places, but here, we get to know them."

Located behind Applebee's in Middletown, Kidd Coffee is not just for coffee lovers, there is something offered for everyone. The shop has been open about nine months, and the Flynn's chose the location because they live in the area.

"We wanted to do it where we live, and in our own community. We have had the opportunity to make many new friends through this venture," Tammy said.

The clientele at Kidd Coffee is quite diverse. "We serve all different kinds of people," said Tammy Flynn. "That might be local teenagers from public and private schools, mom's with pre-schoolers, business professionals hosting meetings or doing interviews, pharmaceutical representatives and older gentlemen who still ask if they can get a plain cup of coffee."

"I've been coming here since the second or third day they opened," said customer Heather Gibson, 37, of Middletown, who said she watched Kidd Coffee being built. "I like the friendly atmosphere and the fact that they treat you like family. "You automatically feel comfortable and welcome here."

Gibson, who said she is addicted to Peppermint Mocha and the cinnamon rolls, stops in a least once a day.

"I come in every day when I'm on the way to work in Cincinnati. This is how I start my day." Gibson said.

Kidd Coffee specializes in all types of coffee and non-coffee drinks, including fruit smoothies, tea and hot chocolate. In addition, the shop offers pre-packaged baked goods and four different types of sandwiches, including Chicken Salad, Buffalo Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad and one hot sandwich, Hickory Smoked Barbecue.

The atmosphere is contemporary yet classy. The décor includes wooden tables and chairs with wrought iron, a leather couch, an old upright piano and a fireplace, along with a computer station with one computer and free wi-fi for customers.

On Saturday afternoons, you might find Zach Flynn, a ninth-grader at Middletown Christian School working behind the counter, whipping up favorite drinks for his peers, including smoothies and frappachillers.

"We are busy all the time," Zach said.

Tammy Flynn said her family has had many opportunities through the coffee shop to become involved in other people's lives.

"I think that is the best part for us," she said. "We've shared in everything from marriages, new homes and babies, all the way to job loss and divorce. We share so much with the new friends we didn't even know nine months ago."

Ginny McCabe is an entertainment writer for Go and may be reached at gmwriteon@aol.com.