BALTIMORE, MD (March 7, 2016) –
Coffeecade, a startup retail coffeehouse, is setting up shop and creating 10 new jobs in Anne Arundel County later this year. The store will be based in Pasadena and include a café that will serve premium iced, blended and traditional coffees as well as teas, baked goods, and sandwiches. The site will also feature a twist to the traditional coffeehouse atmosphere by offering a family-friendly retro-arcade including pinball and Pac-Man machines.
The company was founded in 2014 by Andy Lee, a Colorado native who served for more than 10 years in the United States Marine Corps. Lee has lived in Maryland for the past six years and says he is excited to combine his two passions – coffee and arcade games – in this venture.
“It’s something that has never been done before in this kind of venue. I wanted to create a destination for kids and adults of all ages where you can enjoy a great cup of coffee and a memorable arcade game,” said Lee. “Everyone has been very friendly during this startup process. I’m very appreciative for all the support the Maryland Department of Commerce has provided.”
To assist Coffeecade with startup costs, the Maryland Department of Commerce is providing a $50,000 loan through the Military Personnel and Veteran-Owned Small Business No-Interest Loan Program. The funding will help the company purchase restaurant equipment including coffee and ice machines, refrigerators, sinks, and utensils.
“We are excited to support Andy Lee and his innovative approach to creating a family-friendly coffeehouse,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “Through our veteran loan program, we have been able to help dozens of veterans and members of the military fulfill their dream of small business ownership.”
The
Military Personnel and Veteran-Owned Small Business No-Interest Loan Program was created in 2006 and is administered by Commerce in consultation with the Maryland Department of Veteran Affairs. Veterans who own a business, as well as active members of the military, are eligible to apply. The program also accepts applications from small businesses that employ military reservists and National Guard members called to active duty, as well as companies employing service-disabled veterans.
“The men and women who have worn the uniform of our Armed Forces are full of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit,” said George Owings, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs. “This spirit is evidenced in Mr. Lee’s vision to bring a small business combining coffee and arcade games to Anne Arundel County. We wish him much success as he builds out his coffeehouse.”
About Maryland Commerce
The Maryland Department of Commerce stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State's many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the Arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit
commerce.maryland.gov.
