A new artisan coffee shop hard-launched at the beginning of April, introducing Columbia to caffeine with a cocktail-inspired flair.

Godspeed Coffee opened its doors on April 1, transforming the Five Points space that had been a chain coffee store into a small local business. After a long-awaited year of construction, the store was flooded with customers throughout its debut week.

“I love my coffee, she loves her chai, so we’re always looking for new places,” University of South Carolina marine science major Kelly Cristino said of her and her friend. “I saw this one on TikTok and was like, we have to go.”

Godspeed gained public traction throughout 2024 and 2025 by hosting pop-ups at locations such as Papa Jazz Record Shop and the Boyd Innovation Center, both nearby.

It was through events like this that customers came to know and love Godspeed.

“My best friend Kat would always take me to Godspeed when it was a pop-up, and we loved the cool flavors and the calm vibe,” customer Lauren Jabot said. “All the employees were really nice and passionate about the coffee they made.”

The Saluda Avenue location is characterized by warm lighting, a wooden coffee bar and an earthy vibe. The shop’s ambiance also radiates from the co-founding couple.

Roger Caughman and Kailey Cunningham are the brains behind Godspeed’s operation and also the two baristas behind the bar, committed to making uniquely handcrafted drinks and brightening customers’ days.

“I like the setting because people are really nice, and I just also never feel rushed to order, which is really awesome,” Kat Martin said. 

The coffee shop’s signature drinks include the “Magpie” cold brew, “BBL” matcha and the “Neapolitan” latte. The craftsmanship of the drinks is an experience, as baristas add toppings such as cream and orange zest at the front of the bar on display for those waiting in line.

This isn’t the first time a coffee shop has occupied the space below Saluda’s Restaurant. Starbucks was in service there for 20 years before closing in early 2023. 

City residents appear pleased to have someplace to quench their thirst in the space again, even more so pleased for it to be a cafe that’s a locally owned businesses. 

“I think it’s very subversive that they made a coffee shop in the old Starbucks, so that we don’t have to go support a corporate coffee place, but we can enjoy the space,” Jabot said. “I think now, more than ever, it’s important to support local businesses.”