After seven years of living and working in Rapid City, Rob and Julie Mahaffey have developed a deep appreciation for the downtown community. Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, construction delays, and long periods without parking, Rob credits the city’s resilience for helping businesses push through tough times.
“We’ve been in business downtown since 2018, and we’ve seen all the potholes and speed bumps along the way,” Rob said. “But what makes downtown special is that it’s not fragile. It’s a strong, supportive ecosystem where businesses stick together.”
The Mahaffeys first found success with their initial venture in the area, thanks to the unwavering support of the local community. That encouragement inspired them to take the leap on a longtime dream—opening a coffee shop.
“We kept talking about this dream of a café, and eventually, we got pushed off the plank… and here we are,” Rob said.
For years, the couple felt that Rapid City needed a local coffee shop, and instead of just wishing for one, they decided to make it happen.
“We both said, if we’re going to complain that Rapid needs something, we should do something about it,” Julie explained.
Their entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of Speed Goat Express Coffee Company, a name inspired by the area’s pronghorn antelope. The café reflects their passion for both great coffee and the community that has embraced them.
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