Following an eight-week search for a new location, the Wright family, owners of Bitty & Beau’s Coffee, announced in April that they had decided on Charleston, South Carolina, for the company’s second location. Last week the address, 159 Church St., was revealed, and an Oct. 1 opening is expected.
 
Charleston was selected as a second location in large part by Bitty & Beau’s social media followers, who submitted letters and videos explaining why their city should be the site of the next Bitty & Beau’s location. Co-founder Amy Wright said Charleston’s proximity to Wilmington was also a motivating factor for a first expansion.
 
Once Charleston was selected, the search for a building began. Wright said from the start, she had her sights set on the downtown/market area of the city, right in the heart of where many tourists explore the city by foot or carriage. The location, 159 Church St., is just a block from the Charleston City Market and along the carriage tour route.
 
“With this location, we really hope to reach people who don’t know anything about us,” Amy Wright said. “In Wilmington, we’re a destination; people have to seek us out because we’re on a car lot. But in Charleston, we will have the opportunity to welcome tourists who just happen to stumble upon us and to spread our mission to those who know nothing about what it is that we do.”

LS3P Associates Ltd. of Charleston is still drafting the design plans for the 1,000-square-foot space, and Thomas Construction Group of Wilmington will be the general contractor for the project. Thomas Construction Group also did the build-out for Bitty & Beau’s at 4949 New Centre Drive in Wilmington.

Wright said many of Bitty & Beau’s current employees will be taking part in the training of new employees in Charleston.
 
“Of course everyone wants to be there for opening day,” Wright said. “I guess we’ll have to charter a bus!”
 
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