For Sellers, the essence of his coffee shop transcends mere beverages. “Community comes first; coffee is secondary,” he stated. His vision was to create a space where patrons could engage in conversation, unwind, read, and connect with others.
Originally hailing from New York, Sellers and his wife Alexis envisioned opening a coffee shop in Atlanta. However, their plans shifted in 2019 when Alexis received a job offer in Columbia. The couple intended to stay temporarily before relocating to Atlanta.
“With the pandemic and the relationships we started building here, our focus shifted. Atlanta began to recede into the background, and Columbia began to feel like home,” Sellers reflected.
The Sellers family initially launched BrickHouse Gourmet Coffee and Tea Company as a pop-up at the West Columbia Artisan’s Market. Their desire to integrate more deeply into the community led them to accept invitations to local events and gatherings, rapidly building their reputation through word of mouth.
Now firmly established, BrickHouse has found a permanent home at 725 Meeting Street in the heart of West Columbia.
Joseph D. Dickey Jr., a member of the West Columbia City Council, lauded the Sellers family’s contribution. “What Akera and his family bring to our community is truly invaluable. They’re set to become the neighborhood coffee shop.”
The Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce marked BrickHouse’s official arrival with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday morning. The event saw a strong turnout of community leaders, business owners, and residents.
“The Sellers family came here with a mindset of giving back to the community rather than seeking what the community could offer them,” noted Tim James, President of the Greater CWC Chamber.
BrickHouse Gourmet Coffee and Tea Company is now serving the West Columbia community from its new location at 725 Meeting Street.