Downtown Winter Haven has always been more than a collection of storefronts — it’s a story. One written by dreamers, early risers, and people who believed that community could be built one cup, one handshake, one smile at a time.

Lately, our story has turned a new page. New businesses are opening, new ideas are taking root, and yes — even more coffee shops are coming to town. Change, as it often does, brings a mix of emotions: excitement for growth, uncertainty about the future, and the quiet hope that there’s still space for everyone’s dreams to thrive. But more than anything, this season reminds me of something I’ve always believed: our community is strongest when we choose connection over competition.

Because humility allows for possibility. When we approach change with humility, we make room for growth — not just for ourselves, but for the people around us. Humility softens defensiveness, quiets comparison, and opens doors we might have closed out of fear. It reminds us that we don’t have to have all the answers; we just have to remain willing to learn, to listen, and to evolve. And in that space, possibility begins to take shape — possibility for collaboration, for deeper community, and for a future big enough for all of us.

And I believe something else, too: compassion and capitalism can coexist. You can run a business with integrity, kindness, and empathy without sacrificing strength or success. You can care about your community and still make smart decisions. You can show grace without losing your edge. When compassion guides the way we serve, lead, and respond, business becomes more than a transaction — it becomes a relationship. And that’s the kind of economy I want to help build here.

At Richard’s Coffees, we’ve called this little shop a safe space for nearly three decades. These walls have seen first dates, job interviews, rainy afternoons, and conversations that have turned strangers into friends. This new chapter looks a little different than what many of us expected, but I understand that business decisions are part of a larger picture — one that’s always evolving.

Still, I believe this moment can be something more than a test of competition — it can be a test of character. This is our opportunity, as a community, to support each other in ways we haven’t before. To show up, not just for our favorite places, but for all the people brave enough to pour their time, their savings, and their hearts into making their dreams real.

So buy a cup of coffee. Or a sandwich. Or a sweet treat from one of the many local spots that make Winter Haven what it is. And if any of my fellow small business owners ever find themselves in need of a gallon of milk, a tomato or two, or maybe just someone to vent to about the wild, wonderful chaos of running a business — I’m here. We’re here. For it all.

Because at the end of the day, community isn’t measured in square footage — it’s measured in grace. And while we may not always agree on every move or every decision, we can still choose to stand together. We can still choose to be kind.

Growth isn’t always comfortable, but it can still be beautiful because it means our town is alive. It means people still believe in this place enough to dream here. That, to me, is something worth celebrating. And if we can keep showing up for each other — even when it’s hard, even when it’s complicated — we’ll keep building something bigger than business. We’ll keep building community.

So here’s to courage — the courage to stay, the courage to start, and the courage to see one another not as competition, but as neighbors. Because if we can keep building community, not walls… everyone wins.

With gratitude,
Koreen Hobbs
Richard’s Fine Coffees