“We love that these holiday flavors have a dedicated following,” said Angela Cottrell, Director of Marketing at Cups. “The holidays are when friends and families come together, and Cups neighborhood cafes and flavors are a perfect match for making memories.”

Christmas Cookie is brand new for 2023, and is a delicious mix of almonds, vanilla, and white chocolate available as a latte or flavored coffee.

Candy Cane Hot Chocolate, also new this year, is available hot or frozen, and is an alternative for non-coffee drinkers.

Mint Mocha is a balanced blend of sweet chocolate, bright hints of mint and dark espresso. 

Frosty’s Favorite is flavored with white chocolate and cinnamon and is available as a latte or flavored coffee. It’s a flavor that doesn’t just have fans, it has superfans, who get their flavor-roasted beans shipped across the country, or post on social media with their lattes. 

“Frosty’s Favorite sells out every year, no matter how much we make,” said Cottrell. “Last year alone, we roasted more than one ton of beans and shipped bags to places like Montana, West Virginia, and Vermont.”

Cups’ holiday flavors are available in stores through the holiday season, and fresh roasted flavored coffees can be ordered online.

About Cups Espresso Cafe: Founded in 1993, Cups Espresso Cafe has served communities across the state with quality coffee sourced from around the globe but roasted in Mississippi. With over 11 locations across Central Mississippi, each cafe offers a welcoming environment and a place for coffee lovers to create and be inspired. Learn more by visiting: https://cupsespressocafe.com/

“I consider myself a late bloomer. Growing up, I always had this interest in making things, but I never had the concept that I could actually be an artist. I had a roommate in college who was an art major, and I remember sitting and staring at her pictures on the wall thinking that’s so cool–I wish I could do that!” she said. “I had the mindset that you are born with that talent, and I thought I had missed the ball game. But that just isn’t true, and Cups really helped me realize that.” 

Her first public showing was at Cups in Clinton, and it gave her a glimpse into what life as a full-time artist would be like.

“I had three pieces that sold, and I felt validated, you know? Because I looked at one of the pieces and thought people are going to think this is so lame and boring because it was just a big white canvas with a leafy, you know, painting of a tree on it. But then somebody bought it, and I realized that if I like it then other people are probably going to see the beauty in it too,” she said. 

“It made me so happy and so proud seeing it on the wall. I had friends who would walk in and go, ‘Hey, I saw your name and art on the wall!’ and I thought this must be how it is for other artists. That’s just a way of life for them.”

For Michelle, Cups’ “casual” atmosphere, friendly staff, and community focus created a place where she felt comfortable sharing her work and building her name as an artist. And while she mainly does art in her free time now, working primarily as an academic advisor at Hinds Community College, she still goes to Cups for inspiration and to put her work on display. 

“I go to Cups all the time in Clinton and elsewhere when I’m out. I’ve gotten to know the people there; Mary, who’s the manager, is great! I love going in there and just looking at people’s drawings and that inspires me even more. You know, artists can inspire each other or people like me, who didn’t even know they were artists. They can be inspired by seeing somebody’s work there and I just love that.” 

To any local artists wanting to have their art displayed at Cups, Michelle had this advice to share:

“This might sound cliche but just do it! Put it on display. If you find yourself judging your art–stop. If you like making art, just do it and do it regularly. Don’t worry about how people might evaluate it, just create because you enjoy it.” 

Be sure to stop by Cups in Clinton to see what new pieces of hers are available!

Photo of the artist Theo Milnor

Throughout this series, we’ve spoken to painters, sculptors, and visual artists about their creativity. This time, we’ll be speaking to Theo Milnor, a passionate crocheter, who says Cups, and the community therein, became a safe space for her to practice her craft and find new meaning as an artist.

For Theo, crocheting started out as a way to relieve stress and help her focus when she needed it most, like during class. 

“I started crocheting mainly because I was on break and wanted to try something new, only to figure out, oh, this is really, really nice. It’s something to do with my hands. I’ve done a bunch of different art stuff, but crochet was new to me,” she said. 

“Then [crocheting] became almost like a coping mechanism. When I was in lectures, I’d crochet to have something to do with my hands so I could, you know, listen to the teacher better. It’s a very calming thing to do. Whenever I come home and I’m just completely stressed, all I have to do is turn on the T.V. and crochet and I’ll be fine after like thirty minutes or so.”

However, crochet held a completely new meaning to Theo after one impromptu visit to Cups in Fondren. Not only did she find a place to explore her creative potential, but also a place to form new friendships. 

“I started crocheting over there and one day I made this little jellyfish, and all of the baristas were like, oh my gosh, that’s so cute! And I was like, do you want it? Since then, I make them little things to hang around the store and they’ll give me new ideas or themes to work on,” she said. 

“I just finished a summer theme, which was a series of sea animals. Now, I’m working on fall, and I just gave them a crochet ghost recently. They absolutely love it, and it’s made me realize how my work can make people happy. Seeing people get really excited over the stuffed animals I make is so worth it.”

Pictured above: Theo’s crochet pieces on display at Cups in Fondren

Theo’s experiences with Cups made her realize the importance of having a local spot for artists to show their work that isn’t always a museum.

“Cups creates safe spaces in Mississippi, especially for artists in my age group. Having a place like Cups is so inspiring,” she said. “Cups gives artists here a chance to get their work out there and say ‘hey, I’m doing something pretty cool and I’m getting recognized for it.’ Plus, it’s really, really nice to see everybody come together at Cups. You meet so many new people and everyone’s really nice. It’s just a great little community.”

To any local artists wanting to have their art displayed at Cups, Theo had this advice to share:

“Just go for it! It’s so satisfying to see your work on display or hanging up in the coffee shop. You could even inspire someone else and really get your name out there. You can do something you love. Don’t let fear or anxiety or any doubts hold you back!” 

Be sure to stop by Cups in Fondren to see what new items of hers are available! 

Photo of the artist Anna Cooper

For multimedia artist Anna Cooper, Cups was the first step in getting her work out to the community. While getting her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Mississippi College, Anna heard about Cups from a friend and saw it as an opportunity to gain experience and widen her network.

“She said that I could display my artwork there, and I thought that was a really cool opportunity. It was the first time my work had been displayed in an actual shop setting!” 

Pictured above: Anna’s mugs on display at Cups in Clinton.

Her mugs, inspired by the elegance of Renaissance and medieval architecture, quickly picked up attention and intrigue. Anna’s work was soon featured at the Mississippi Museum of Art, where she began to realize the importance local venues play in building an artist’s confidence and relationship with their audience.

“At the museum, people can really only look at your work,” she said. “There was more of a relaxed environment at Cups. People could interact with my art, and I felt that there wasn’t so much pressure on myself as an artist. It was a good break from all the critiques you deal with on a normal basis.” 

Pictured above: A close-up of the mugs on display.

Anna continues to make art, including her Renaissance-inspired mugs, while working as a studio technician at Hinds Community College. She’ll visit Cups in Clinton when going to see friends and is sure to get a vanilla frappuccino with either caramel or raspberry syrup during her trip. 

To any local artists wanting to have their art displayed at Cups, Anna had this advice to share:

“Cups is a great opportunity to reach more people! They can actually see and touch your artwork and will just appreciate it on a deeper level than they would from an Instagram post. If you have work you want to share, put it on display!” 

Stop by Cups in Clinton to see what new items of hers are available! You can also follow her on Instagram to see more of her work and support her on Patreon.

Photo of the artist Nicholas Leach

Louisiana-native Nicholas Leach found Cups while studying art at Mississippi College. For Nicholas, Cups was the place for networking and finding inspiration as an art student, especially since many of his fellow classmates had work on display there. 

“If you wanted to hang out or meet up with friends, you went to Cups,” he said. “Being there was so inspiring to me because of the art on display. Lots of student art. It was a community vibe. You could kind of peer into what was motivating the artists in Clinton and the college students. It was art that felt real. Being there was also inspiring on a personal level because it showed me that getting my work out into the world was feasible. Like I could get some recognition too.”

Pictured above: Nicholas’ art on display at Cups Clinton

One day, Nicholas’ friend, who worked as a barista in the Clinton cafe, recommended he put his art on display. What followed was a new perspective on his creative potential and his relationship with the art in his community. 

“The first few pieces I put on display, I had actually already created and just thought they would fit well on the wall,” he said. “But then, I started thinking more about how others would engage with my art, and I ended up making a piece specifically for the store. It was a colored pencil drawing of one of the Cups mugs. I thought it would resonate with students and would make me stand out to people who were just sitting in the cafe and happened to look at it.”

Today, Nicholas lives in Jackson, Mississippi and works as a graphic designer. On his days off, he practices oil painting with a focus on portraiture, and visits Cups in Fondren for a tall cup of black coffee. Cups is still the place where he meets friends, makes memories, and draws inspiration for his creative projects. 

To any local artists wanting to have their art displayed at Cups, Nicholas had this advice to share:

“Create something that’s true to you. If you’re putting your work up at Cups, put your best foot forward, because that piece is gonna be a lot of people’s first impression of you. Being on display can lead to a lot of connections–I’ve had a few friendships actually start that way. So, I would say put your best foot forward, but don’t get in your head too much about the process. Create what you like!”

Be sure to stop by Cups in Fondren or Cups in Clinton to see what new items of his are available! You can also visit his website or follow him on Facebook and Instagram to see more of his work!

“I’m now getting more invested and involved in the community,” he said, “and that’s really because of Cups. It offers a really integrated way of getting artists and the community to work together.”

Pictured above: Justin sits next to a display of his ceramics.

Today, Justin spends his time between digital drawing, ceramics, and photography. And while each medium has its own creative process, Justin says critique is one of the best ways for him to improve across the board.

“Having a space with people that you regularly interact with is a lot more conducive to an artist’s success,” he said. “I like that community aspect and that close culture at Cups. You can get feedback and see how it makes people feel. I’ll see people that tell me they use my cups every day and it’s great.” 

Justin credits Cups for new artistic connections–some of which have grown into thriving friendships.

“I get introduced to a lot of different people here,” he said. “I met two guys last week that I now hang out with. I also met a guy who works as an audio engineer and cinematographer that is now in my network. We often collaborate and work on projects together. Cups really brings creative minds together.”

Pictured above: Landscape painting in progress.

To any local artists wanting to have their art displayed at Cups, Justin had this advice to share:

“If you’re looking to put your work on display at Cups, know what you’re selling, know your market, and reach out and talk to some of the managers. Find a clear space that’s visible and have a display that’s inviting. Price accordingly and don’t stop at Cups. Go to markets, go to comic con, go to local events. Get involved in your community.” 

Be sure to stop by Cups in Fondren or Cups in the Quarter to see what new items of his are available!

“As we mark 30 incredible years in July, we’re inviting our community to join the party!” said Cups’ marketing director, Angela Cottrell. “It’s a time for us to say thank you, and for friends and family to connect and to keep making new memories.”

Guests can find birthday cookies and slices of birthday cake in most neighborhood stores. On July 31, Cups’ official birthday, Cups locations will offer special giveaways while supplies last.

Janice Camerson and her late husband, Dennis, founded Cups on July 31, 1993, in Jackson, Miss. At that time, coffee houses weren’t common in the city.

“During a trip to Italy, we visited as many espresso shops as we could. And, that’s where our inspiration for Cups comes from–a love of our Italian heritage and of coffee,” said Cameron.
Being an artist herself, Janice knew the importance of having a creative outlet in the community, and incorporated art into Cups through live music and commission-free display opportunities for visual artists.

Cups’ commitment to quality coffee is still the centerpiece. “We roast our own beans in small batches every week so that each time you stop by, the coffee is fresh. We use small-farm coffee beans for the best flavor,” said Cameron. “When you visit, you can enjoy classic Italian espresso drinks, your favorite seasonal flavors, hot or iced tea, or small-batch single-origin coffee. There’s something for everyone.”

“Thank you for 30 years in this community!” said Cameron. “Let’s keep making new memories!”

For more information on Cups visit: cupsespressocafe.com.

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About Cups Espresso Cafe: Founded in 1993, Cups Espresso Cafe has served communities across the state with quality coffee sourced from around the globe and roasted in Mississippi. With 11 locations, each cafe offers a welcoming environment and a place for coffee lovers to create and be inspired. Learn more by visiting: https://cupsespressocafe.com/

Featuring festive flavors like white chocolate and cinnamon, Frosty’s Favorite captures the essence of the holiday season, and sells out every year during its limited release window. 

“Since it launched, Frosty’s Favorite has been a Cups Espresso Cafe holiday tradition,” said Marketing Director Angela Cottrell. “With this being our 30th anniversary year, we wanted to give our customers a taste of Christmas during the Mississippi summer.”

As friends and families spend quality time with each other, this special offer will make those moments all the merrier. Frosty’s Favorite will be available for purchase in-store and online while supplies last. For more information on Cups visit: cupsespressocafe.com. 

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About Cups Espresso Cafe: Founded in 1993, Cups Espresso Cafe has served communities across the state with quality coffee sourced from around the globe and roasted in Mississippi. With 11 locations, each cafe offers a welcoming environment and a place for coffee lovers to create and be inspired. Learn more by visiting: https://cupsespressocafe.com/

Eamonn Cottrell, Cups’ Chief Operations Officer

For thirty years, Cups has been the go-to place for Mississippians to fuel up on their favorite espresso drinks and on inspiration from local art. We caught up with Eamonn Cottrell, Cups’ Chief Operations Officer, to get his take on how Cups continues to be a staple for local communities.

Eamonn has been with Cups for over twenty years. He started as a barista working at the cafe in Fondren. It was 2003 and he had just moved to Mississippi from Knoxville, TN. Cups helped him feel at home and find community while he worked to finish his education. 

A Connection to Community

“It was a lot of fun because I was able to do schooling and also have this cool job that for me–and the reason that I stayed there for so long in those years–connected me to a community that I was new to,” Eamonn said. “I got to know everyone from homeless people to doctors. I got to be friends with every facet of the community. That’s the thing I loved the most about it.”

After getting his business degree from Millsaps College in 2012, Eamonn returned to Cups, now as part of its business and operations. He noticed that Cups had become an even greater staple to local communities, as more and more people needed a place between work and home to recharge for the day. 

“What has not changed is the need to have a ‘third meeting place:’ somewhere to unwind between home and work,” Eamonn said. “And I think that’s why it’s so important for Cups to be in the various communities that it’s in, so that people have a spot to hang out and connect with each other. Zoom has been a godsend the last few years, but it’s not the same as being in person and sharing a coffee. There’s something about that in-person experience that will always be needed, especially at the local level.”

Looking Ahead

Eamonn says he’s excited for the new drinks, coffees, and innovative roasting techniques that are currently in the works. He also looks forward to seeing Cups continue its tradition as a go-to spot for Mississippi coffee lovers to be inspired.

“When Janice and Dennis talked about Cups, they talked about the desire for it to be a community staple for the neighborhood folks. And so, the core of what they wanted to do was have this art-filled place for anybody from any walk of life to be able to hang out and have a safe place to be. That core hasn’t changed, and it’s what I’ve always loved about Cups.”  

Reflecting on 30 Years of Cups

At the end of our chat, Eamonn shared a profound appreciation for Cups, the early days of his career, and all the memories made along the way. Here’s what he had to say:

“I’m about to be 40, so I’ve worked at Cups for half of my life at this point. Working at Cups has been one of the most influential things in my life, and I’m super grateful to the Camerons for starting it.”  

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates and special offers in celebration of our 30th anniversary!

Cups founder Janice Cameron

The dream of Cups started in Italy. It was in Italy that Janice and Dennis Cameron’s love for coffee grew into a passion that they wanted to bring home to Mississippi. Now after 30 years, 11 cafes, and countless memories, Cups continues to connect coffee lovers to classic Italian espresso. We spoke with our founder, Janice Cameron, to get the scoop on all things Cups, and celebrate our 30th anniversary. 

“My husband and I are both Italian, so we both grew up with coffee being an essential part of every meal,” Janice said. “After the wedding, we made plans to travel–Italy being first on our list. During our trip, we visited as many espresso shops as we could. And, that’s where our inspiration for Cups comes from–a love of our heritage and of coffee.”

Janice and her husband, Dennis, founded Cups on July 31, 1993, in Jackson, Mississippi. At that time, coffee houses weren’t a common occurrence in the city.

“We purchased Cups from a small business that had been in town for about a year. We were excited to continue the love of coffee in our own way,” Janice said. “When we started Cups, there really weren’t any coffee houses in the area. There were a few coffee franchises, but no coffee houses. We were the first in the region–and we did it because we thought it was a great opportunity to bring espresso to the city.”

Cups offered Jacksonians a coffee experience that wasn’t around at the time– a local connection to Italian espresso, Southern art, and music performed by artists in the area. Being an artist herself, Janice knew the importance of having a creative outlet in the community and incorporated that into Cups through live music and commission-free display options for visual artists. 

“We hosted live music for the first five years, and that gave young artists a chance to play and get their start,” Janice said. “Whoever wanted to come and play could come and play. It was a wonderful time!”

In addition to supporting the unique sound and look of its neighborhood, each cafe was purposefully designed to reflect its surrounding community.

“We’ve always allowed the owners or managers of our company stores to be creative when designing their space. Of course, we want all of our cafes to be welcoming and inviting, but the only thing we require is that we serve the best coffee,” Janice said. 

And the coffee–Cups’ trademark–is also centered on community, especially when it comes to developing new flavored coffees and drinks. Each season brings a new opportunity for Cups’ creative team to come together and talk coffee, flavor, and everything in between. Janice says the process is dynamic, creative, and also a lot of fun: 

“We come together and talk about what we think might be great for the season–we talk to our managers as well as our owners to hear their ideas. We look to see what people enjoy–what’s going on in the food world. Then, our team will create drinks and bring them to us to try. Then we decide. It’s a process that involves the whole Cups community and is a lot of fun,” Janice said. “This season, we’re really excited about our Spumoni latte. It was created by one of our managers at Cups in Madison and is absolutely delicious with strawberry, chocolate, and cherry.” 

What’s more, these mouth-watering flavors, designed specifically for your palette, are only made better by Cups’ focus on serving premium locally roasted coffee.

“We roast our own beans in small batches every week so that each time you stop by to get a cup of coffee or grab a bag of beans, it’s fresh. We use small-farm coffee beans for the best flavor,” Janice said. “And, we work closely with our roaster and supplier to get the best coffee. My roaster has worked with us for over 20 years, so we’re very dedicated to providing the best beans we can source.”

Janice said that she looked forward to seeing Cups continue to adapt to the needs of local artists and coffee lovers with each passing year. She also looks forward to enjoying her go-to café breve or mocha and getting inspired by the local art. Above all, though, she is grateful. Grateful to all the customers, baristas, and coffee lovers that make Cups feel like home. At the end of our chat, she had only this to say:

“Thank you for 30 years in this community!”

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates and special offers in celebration of our 30th anniversary!