Meet Kate Firoved of Carnelian Coffee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Firoved.

Hi Kate, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Kate started the shop in 2017 with the dream of bringing good quality coffee and beverages to her hometown. In 2018, she met Colton who has transformed the food and roasting program into what it is today. Together they own and operate Carnelian Coffee with a love for community, coffee, and good food.

Our unique little coffee shop is warm and inviting and is a relaxing place to work or recharge in the bustling Old Colorado City historical area. All of our coffee is roasted in-house and can be complemented by house-made syrups and sauces.

We serve breakfast all day with made-from-scratch biscuits and made-to-order burritos. Our pastries are also made from scratch. Kate and Colton’s passion for fun new flavors and quality food and drinks can be seen in everything they do.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Kate ran the shop by herself in the beginning, but with hard work, dedication, and a lot of help from family and friends, was able to grow it into the business it is today. When Colton joined the team, he was able to elevate the menu and offerings which really helped when we were hit hard by Covid. Old Colorado City is a big tourist destination, so not having a boost from travelers was a struggle.

Kate and Colton redesigned the menu and refocused the business to grab more local attention and diversified the brand. The regulars provided an incredible support network during this time and helped us through the hardest times.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are a cute little coffee shop located on the west side of Colorado Springs in Old Colorado City. We roast our own coffee, make our ingredients from scratch, and have a breakfast menu featuring housemade items. Our biscuits and pastries are made from scratch and are our best sellers. We also offer vegan and gluten-free options. We’re the perfect spot to stop and relax or grab a healthy breakfast and coffee on your way to hike the nearby Garden of the Gods.

We are known for our house-roasted coffee and house-made syrups. We roast on a zero-emissions roaster and compost and recycle whenever possible. The coffee we select is earth friendly and pays Living Verified Incomes for the farmers. Our food menu is focused on local and house-made ingredients with healthier options. We have a big focus on our community, supporting local artists, retailers, charities, and organizations. Carnelian is all-inclusive and welcomes all!

Carnelian is a cozy shop that is relaxing and has amazing coffee and food. We wanted to be a more approachable shop and less pretentious, but with the same quality. We welcome questions from customers and love sharing our passion with others. Carnelian is a type of stone that represents creativity, kinship, and vitality. At Carnelian, we provide quality, earth and people-friendly coffee complimented by homemade ingredients.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Pick something you truly believe in and are passionate about. When everything is falling down around us, we can still appreciate, enjoy, and find love in a delicious cup of coffee.

Contact Info:

• Website:www.carneliancoffeeco.com
• Instagram: @carneliancoffeeco
• Facebook: @carneliancoffeeco
• TikTok: @carneliancoffeeco