As a junior in high school in California, Shayne Smith knew she wanted to start a coffee shop. So, she moved to Seattle and learned about coffee, while getting her business degree online. She eventually followed her parents to Nashville, and, after buying a bag of locally roasted Sky Bear Coffee, was determined to meet the roaster, Lesa Wood. Lesa was one of the first woman roasters in Nashville and open the original 8th & Roast on 8th avenue in 2012.
They met, and, with Lesa’s help, Shayne found herself in the back corner of Joelton Hardware with a lil’ coffee booth. A few months later, a space opened in Five Points in East Nashville, where Shayne and Lesa launched Middle Grounds Coffee in August. Located in a bungalow next to the Makeup Alter, Shayne and Lesa have created a cozy neighborhood space with great coffee and personality. Shayne makes all her syrups herself and is frequently working into the wee hours after her shift at a local night spot. You can follow Shayne’s antics on Instagram.
