Coastal Coffee Roasters In Summerville Was Jammin' With Justin James And Chelsea Summers

When people ask me what it was that brought me to Summerville, I have no clear cut answer other than White Gables, a beautiful development off of Central Ave patterned after homes in Charleston. Of the seven years I have been here in South Carolina, I hadn't spent a whole lot of time in downtown Summerville. Over the years I went to some of its restaurants, investigated the history of some of its more prominent landmarks, but mostly just passed through it on my way to Charleston.

It wasn't until I attended a Third Thursday that I began to take notice of its businesses and the warm hospitable spirit that is the brick and mortar of this truly southern community now overtaken by northerners with a love for what the Lowcountry offers. Aura Lee's Jewelry, Handbags and Accessories became a hang out for me on those occasions, the place where I met the Summers, a well known and well liked family in the town. Aura Lee Summers is the owner and Bill Summers greets patrons with a warm handshake and free Yuengling. Chelsea, their daughter, is the sweetheart of Summerville. She sings and plays guitar at various venues throughout Summerville and surrounding areas. Keep an eye on Chelsea, she is going places. Chelsea was one of the reasons for my visit to Coastal Coffee Roasters this stormy evening.

Bill, Aura Lee, and me

Coastal Coffee Roasters has won the hearts of Summerville's residents and has become the local hot spot. It is a family owned and serviced meet and greet hangout for people who just want to unwind with a cup of their own personalized coffee blend. And although their passion is coffee, they have added wine and craft beers to their selection. Brad and Jacki Mallett will do what it takes to win your patronage starting with a friendly smile. If you have doubts about what selection you want to try, they are more than willing to offer you a sample to tease your taste buds in the right direction. When not behind the counter, you will see them milling around rubbing shoulders with the friends. Special events and live music are also scheduled throughout the month. For a complete take on the services they provide go to Coastal Coffee Roasters. This night, Chelsea was opening for main headliner Justin James, a singer/songwriter from the Dominican Republic.

Chelsea Summers

Coastal Coffee Roasters sits just off of N. Main Street at 108 East 3rd. North Street. There is no flashy neon sign marking its location. It is just a simple, white and red brick building, mostly white, with a garage door. When I first walked through its entrance the open atmosphere and decor gave me the feeling of being at a party in a friends garage. There was an odd collection of old chairs and tables, the kind you would find in garage sales, all randomly spread around the floor. Right away I wanted to start shooting hoops at a basketball net hanging on one of its walls. There were burlap bags above the counter and on the walls, and to the right was the mother-of-all coffee machines. The stage area was set to the left. Some old couches were provided to sit on, the kind you might see on the porches of the coastal shacks in Gullah country. It was a cozy, comfortable state of happiness. Go figure, Summerville's flower, the azalea, was painted on the wall. Chelsea was already into one of her sets when I arrived.

Brad Mallett in white shirt and daughter behind

Coffee machine

Coastal Coffee Roasters' crowd

James and Brandi with friends of White Gables

It was to be Justin James first appearance in South Carolina. Born in Vancouver, Canada, Justin was an avid windsurfer who traveled to other countries at an early age looking for the perfect wind and wave. At the age of 20, while in Venezuela, he was attacked by a tiger shark and the next phase of his life was decided. During his recovery he wrote his first song. From that moment, there was no looking back. He spent a lot of time in Los Angeles perfecting his musical talent and traveled up and down the West Coast. His home is now the Dominican Republic. He wears the beach on his sleeve, has a Buffet attitude, and a Jack Johnson style, but all uniquely Justin. Currently he is on a three month tour of the East Coast, the Midwest, taking him back south through New Orleans and ending in Florida. Summerville was honored as his first stop on the tour. His next gig, the Windjammer on the Isle of Palms, Thursday, July 12th. For his full schedule go to Justin's tour. For his complete bio, music, videos, and lyrics go to Justin James. As Justin would say it's "A beautiful Life".

Justin James

Coastal Coffee Roasters would like to remind you "Life is too short to drink bad coffee".