By Laura Fenton Pidge
As the classic song goes, ‘Everything Old is New Again….’
That’s the impression you get with every visit to downtown Fort Mill’s coffeehouse BacInTyme.
Well before it opened a year and a half ago, it had been a vision of Georgia Harper Ehrenberg. Six blueprints later, she is living her dream alongside a very supportive community.
Growing up in the Carolinas and living in Charlotte most of her life, BacInTyme’s proprietor moved to Green Bay (WI) for business reasons in 1996 - returning home nine years later. This time, she landed in Fort Mill.
The coffee café has an eclectic flair offering more than just a flavorful cup of coffee. Once you step in the door, you’ll find art and crafts created by local, regional and national artists, as well as live entertainment, local history and a comfortable atmosphere - all under one roof.
BacInTyme is a coffee cafe of the past, but even more so “the coffee cafe of the future”.
It is original, warm, inviting and hip. More importantly, as Georgia points out, it’s a place where you can relax and just be yourself. And, that is exactly what Georgia had in mind.
Every morning, a large portion of our society starts the day sipping on a hot cup of coffee. It used to be that a cup of “Joe” was just a simple beverage. It came black or with cream and or sugar served in a simple white cup and saucer. That simple cup of coffee has come a long way evolving through the generations and has much more to live up to these days. While some still prefer their coffee simple, most java lovers want a much more complicated brew. Coffee lovers want choices such as latte, espresso or cappuccino. The want non fat, low fat or whip cream. They want decaf, half-caf or the “real” thing. They want flavor added like mocha, cinnamon or Irish cream.
Since opening in May 2008, BacInTyme has been voted as the “Best Coffee in Fort Mill” - thanks to a dedicated and well trained staff of baristas, says Ehrenberg. With visitors from around the world dropping in on a monthly basis, BacInTyme has hosted hundreds of new visitors to the downtown Fort Mill area.
“We also stay active in the community, by volunteering to serve in whatever capacity that we can, and are continually reaching out to help others in need,” Ehrenberg said. “From non-profit organizations staging special events for the public to working one-on-one with individuals who sacrifice time away from their families to assist in building a bigger and brighter future for residents in need of a helping hand.
“At the end of the day,” Ehrenberg continued, “we do what we do for all the right reasons - and I thank God every day for giving us the strength to carry on.”
Born and raised in the graphic arts industry, primarily the flexographic printing and consumable packaging industry, Ehrenberg retired from her family business Harper Corporation of America after 27 years. Her background in international sales, marketing and public relations secured her a future in the corporate world, yet Ehrenberg’s love for gourmet coffees, and the world of art and entertainment guided her out of the corporate arena. Her early retirement also gave more quality time in raising three children, which she calls a “big plus!”
All three children have also had a hand in BacInTyme, from working the coffee bar when mom needs help - to working the kitchen a couple days during the week. Ehrenberg’s daughter, Londyn, who has a degree in business administration, works for a local banking institute, while her oldest son, Tony, works a full-time weekend shift at Harper, in the laser department. Her youngest child, Dylan, attends Nation Ford High School and is known as one of the youngest baristas in the Carolinas. Other family members working with Ehrenberg at the cafe include her niece, Natalie Harper Yesayan, and nephew John Harper. Extended family members also working at the café include Suwrna Moore and her husband, Warren. Both came on board shortly after BacInTyme opened, working part-time at the cafe alongside their son, Anil Moore, whom recently left to further his education at Clemson University.
BacInTyme’s newest staff members include Eric Stovall, who is very knowledgeable in the coffee industry and is also a youth pastor at his church in Rock Hill; Daniel Schildhorn, who has a background in high-end automotive mechanics - and a passion to serve people; and, Daniel’s mentor is also a highly skilled, national barista champion. And, of course, Vincent Brown, a student at Nation Ford High School.
“Vincent brings a lot of good energy to the cafe and loves serving the public. He is also very creative behind the coffee bar, conjuring up new latte drinks. “I enjoy working here because I can be original and inventive,” says Brown, adding, “I can be myself.” Ehrenberg emphasizes that everyone, no matter their age or experience, has been thoroughly trained. “It’s important that the staff learn the entire process,” says Ehrenberg, “but each latte or cappuccino drink has a signature depending upon who made it…because that’s where our individual creativity comes into play, as long as the exact ingredients are used per drink.”
The coffee cafe has also become a community center for Fort Mill. “BacInTyme is a great place for networking, and bible study groups”, says Ehrenberg. “We’ve also had authors to come in to work on their books, as well as perform book signings....and we host aspiring musicians, songwriters, film producers and new artist coming to the forefront”. “
“It’s the best feeling in the world to watch the younger generation hook up with the seniors, too, especially when people are meeting for the first time. No matter our ages, we can learn something new (or old) from one another,” added Ehrenberg.
Georgia encourages everyone to come in and be comfortable.
“I tell folks - especially if you need a place to study, relax or unwind - no matter your social standing in life, everyone is treated with the utmost respect,” she added.