A family-owned coffee shop from Wilmington, N.C., is bringing its second location to Charleston.
Hidden Grounds Coffee, founded by siblings Josh and Caitlin Skidmore and Josh’s wife, Tay Skidmore, will open at 17 Magazine St., according to the shop’s Instagram page.
“It’s a work in progress but we can’t wait to show ya’ll the final product once this gem is finished. Patience friends–we are taking our time and putting some TLC into this space. It will be worth the wait,” the post read.
The Wilmington shop opened in September 2023, fulfilling the trio’s shared dream as self-described “coffee junkies.”
It also introduced Hidden Grounds Coffee’s signature theme. The “Dino Cowboy” theme combines two inspirations: the owners’ longtime fascination with dinosaurs, sparked while renovating the Wilmington cafe’s backyard, and a love of cowboy culture is rooted in siblings Josh and Caitlin’s childhood, when their father worked for a tobacco company and filled their home with Western memorabilia.
The Charleston location will carry the same vibe.
The interior will feature a coffee bar where guests can place their orders, accented by hanging pendant lights and a “HOWDY” sign overhead. The space will also include customer seating and a merchandise wall stocked with branded shirts, candles and mugs.
“It’s very much us and our vibe. We’re going to be a little dark, moody, sexy in here, so if that’s your vibe, we’re excited to have you in here,” the owners said in an Instagram video.
The outdoor space will feature turf, decking and seating surrounded by greenery and tropical plants. Wilma the dinosaur will also make an appearance, while a shaded porch will offer additional bistro seating for guests.
The Hidden Grounds Coffee menu features classic coffee, tea, matcha and espresso drinks alongside signature creations.
Highlights include “The Marlboro Man,” a vanilla latte topped with caramel drizzle; the “Cold Fashioned,” made with triple espresso, simple syrup and orange bitters poured over a coffee sphere and garnished with a dehydrated orange slice and Luxardo cherry; and the “Dino Campfire,” which combines espresso, vanilla, marshmallows and a torched marshmallow.
An opening date for the Charleston location has not been announced. Visit the Hidden Grounds Coffee website and follow along on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates.
