Neelie Carroll is taking her love of coffee on the road with a custom coffee trailer set to launch in Charleston this winter.
Rambler Coffee will soon brew its first cups at 624 Dupont Road in West Ashley.
“I used to manage a coffee shop, and it was just my favorite job that I’ve ever had. I just love interacting with people, getting to know customers. I think something as simple as making a cup of coffee for someone–it’s my love language,” Carroll told What Now Charleston.
The shop will operate in a trailer, remaining stationary except for select events.
“I’ve lived in the West Ashley area in Charleston for about 15 years. I just feel like we need more local coffee love,” she said. “The plan is to be there Monday through Saturday, just like a regular coffee shop, so that I’m reliable and people can come find me easily.”
Carroll said the name Rambler Coffee reflects who she is as a person.
“I didn’t want to create a brand that didn’t feel authentic. I think Rambler Coffee represents the journey of life, rambling on through, and the journey it takes you on.”
Rambler Coffee will source its beans locally through Carolina Coffee Works and serve classic coffee and espresso drinks, including lattes. Matcha beverages and hot teas from Charleston Tea Garden will also be available, with all sauces and syrups made from organic ingredients. To complement the drinks, the shop will offer locally sourced pastries.
“I love a vanilla Americano. I love a short, strong espresso drink. It’s a little sweet, it’s a little creamy. I’m excited to put my twist on that and share it with the community,” Carroll said. “I’m also going to have a really delicious shakerato because people here in Charleston love a cold drink even when it’s cold outside.”
A shakerato is an Italian iced coffee made by shaking espresso, ice and sugar to create a creamy, frothy top.
“I want to have something for everyone–all the coffee drinkers, whether you like it super sweet or you like it black with nothing in it. I just want to kind of be that place the community gathers,” she said.
In the future, Carroll hopes to open a brick-and-mortar location, but she can’t wait to launch the mobile shop and connect with the community.
“I’m honestly, on a personal level, just excited to wake up every morning to go and do this. This has been a dream of mine for a very long time. Going to make people coffee–how much luckier could I get?” Carroll said.
Visit the Rambler Coffee website and follow along on Instagram and Facebook for grand opening details.
