Popular Clovis coffee shop opens second location in Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- At Kuppa Joy, coffee isn't just served. It serves as a way to connect communities. So after three years of success at its Clovis location, the shop expanded to Fresno.

"It made so much sense, we got a high school across the street to connect to the kids, we've got a city college down the street, we've got the dog walkers and it's such a community feel and our mission is to use coffee to connect to the community," said Kuppa Joy Owner Zack Follett.

Located next to Fresno High School, Kuppa Joy now neighbors local eateries like Dusty Buns and Ampersand. Follett says he and Ampersand's owners are already trading coffee for ice cream. Fresno City Councilmember Esmeralda Soria says growth in one of Fresno's oldest neighborhoods is encouraging. "It's I think a sign of our economy getting better, people willing take to take risks now and open small businesses," Soria said.

Bernard Hicks is a loyal customer and longtime friend of Follett. He's been commuting to the Clovis location, but now, won't have to travel as far to get the coffee he craves. "Just the spirit man I love it, it's awesome," Hicks said. "It's Kuppa Joy."

Clovis customers will notice some differences between the locations. Clovis is closed on Sunday's, while Fresno may keep the doors open. "So I'm expecting this one to be a lot more involved in community outreach and activities for people to come and join us to do which I'm hoping ends up spreading to that one you know catching fire," said Alexandra Fabbian, who manages the Clovis location.

It's only their soft opening, but there's already a sense of community.

An official opening will happen sometime later this month.