Hot Shots to set roots in Valdese

Hots Shots, the mobile coffee trailer that runs on wheels and community support, has picked its next stomping grounds.

Owners Cory and Elizabeth Largent and their sole employee (and son) Isaiah will move into 201 St. Germain Ave. SW building in Valdese. The foyer will be their new home as they work with an architect to make their vision come true.

The Largents and the building owners, ICE Realty, are more than ready to move forward to bring what will be the only coffee shop in Valdese.

Gathered in what will be their new coffee shop, the Largents discussed their origins, what they do, and Hot Shots’ future.

ON THE GO

Back in 2010, Morganton native Cory met Elizabeth in Oregon. When the couple would visit family down here, Elizabeth would always ask, “Why is there no coffee here?”

The Largents decided to move to Morganton in 2018, and they had a vision of a coffee shop in their minds.

They first set their sights on the empty 810 Fleming Drive building. They thought the location was perfect and signed a three-year lease. Then, the owner sold the building.

“That’s why we bought the coffee trailer and just kept it going,” Elizabeth said. “The trailer allowed us to be more involved with the community. We do a lot of events, especially at Freedom High School, because he has ties to Freedom as a basketball coach. We do a lot of events there and give back to the Booster Club.”

The team works at weddings, other businesses, and teacher appreciation events. “The first week of May is a huge week for us. Last year, we did nine schools in a week,” Elizabeth said.

In the last few years, several national and regional coffee chains have opened in the area. Hot Shots had to find their right niche.

“Obviously, at one location, everyone knows where you are. We had employees when we had a location,” Cory said. “In the mobile, there’s more freedom, you can pick and choose what you want to do. There’s the gives and takes, as you know, the positives and negatives. Overall, both businesses have allowed us to be able to just live the way we want and enjoy our lifestyle.

“It’s nicer having a single location … . You don’t have to be on the move in the hustle and bustle. It’s a lot of packing. It’s like living out of a suitcase.”

With the coffee shop being on the go and dependent on people seeking them out, the Largents are very appreciative of their loyal base of customers. They keep their Facebook updated with their mobile locations.

COFFEE IN VALDESE

“Everybody’s always like, ‘Valdese has no coffee, we need coffee!’ It’s just a matter of getting the right location, right people, and having things kind of fall into place,” Elizabeth said.

The Largents plan to open Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to around 2 p.m., but they will see how things go.

When asked about a timeline, the couple said it depends on construction and how fast the work can be completed. Either way, the building owners and the Largents agreed on one thing: Let’s get it going.

As far as layout, it will be an ongoing developing idea.

Cory said they plan to have bar stools for people who want to stay awhile. They will soon nail down the specifics, such as the refrigerator, seating, coffee equipment, and so on.

“Make it inviting and friendly, just using the (natural) light to shine in. Just have it to where people just want to come in and you can hang out if you want,” he said.

The mobile truck will continue operating even after the physical location opens. The Largents have built strong relationships with loyal customers in Morganton. Hot Shots can be booked for business and community events.

Saydie Bean is the municipal and courts reporter. She may be reached at 828-445-8595, ext. 2011, or saydie@thepaper.media.