Popular Warner Robins coffee shop adds 3,500-square-foot community space. See it here.
Little Light Coffee Co., a popular coffee shop in Warner Robins that has its roots in a mobile espresso bar, has expanded with a 3,500-square-foot “third space.”
Third space is a term for locations outside of home and work where people can socialize, build relationships, and feel a sense of community, explained Jaimi Norrell, who owns Little Light Coffee Co. with her husband, Kevin.
“The vision is that we would create a community space for people to come and fellowship, drink coffee, do their Bible studies, and even bring their kids,” Jaimi Norrell said.
The new community space connects to the original 1,500-square-foot coffee shop nestled in a shopping center off Watson Boulevard.
The Norrells, who purchased Little Light Coffee Co. in mid-March, leased the two suites next door that once comprised The Floor Store to create the third space.
Their interior makeover transformed the space.
The couple officially opened the third space Aug. 1, while also launching a new menu and new hours for Little Light Coffee Co.
The same day, the Norrells also debuted Little Light Coffee Co. coffee offerings at Mini Dixie Donuts, a doughnut shop and now also a full-fledged, drive-thru coffee shop off Russell Parkway that they purchased in mid-April.
The new space
The inviting third space offers an assortment of groupings of tables and chairs, lounge-type seating with couches and living room chairs and work space with free Wi-Fi and plenty of electrical sockets to plug in.
“I just wanted it to be a space that you can come and you feel welcome in,” Jaimi Norrell said. “But also if you want to be by yourself, you have areas to do that … You can come to work, come to do your school work.”
The space also includes a children’s nook with books, markers and a few toys.
“It’s really cool especially for moms,” Norrell said. “They can go over there and sit and actually take 30 minutes to drink their coffee and let their kids play.”
Norrell recently added a prayer wall, where guests are welcome to share prayer requests, a favorite Bible verse or encouragement.
The third space is free to use as long as groups don’t mind sharing the space with others, Norrell said. The space also may be rented for private events.
The space is already home to a Mommie & Me group, which meets every second Saturday.
On a recent morning, a Bible study group gathered in the space, followed by a group of realtors for a meeting.
The Norrells also will offer Little Light Coffee Co. events in the space such as a paint and sip. The events will be posted on the Little Light Coffee Co. Facebook page.
Little Light Coffee Co. is currently offering two Bible studies that just kicked off. The men’s group meets early Tuesday mornings and the women’s group over the lunch hour Tuesdays.
When booking the space, multiple options are available - including those that include coffee service.
Some potential uses include corporate meetings, workshops and seminars, birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, and family reunions.
Nothing is nailed down in the space, which can be emptied, rearranged or chairs added for private events as needed such as weddings or receptions, Norrell said. The space has its own restrooms.
Also, the third space may be accessed from a separate entrance if desired for private events. A roll up door in the back of the space may also be opened when the temperatures get cooler.
The area can seat up to 300 people.
In April, Norrell learned that the space was up for lease and she immediately knew it was the perfect fit for Little Light Coffee Co.
“I was given a vision that this is something that we need to do, like, for the community, and so, that’s why,” Norrell said. “I was like, Kevin, I just got to. It’s not even a question, like, I just have to do this.
“So, I remember praying about that at church, and I was like, all right, I know why. I already know what the answer is.”
Hours for Little Light Coffee Co. at 4027 Watson Blvd., Suite 220, are 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. The number is 478-333-1489.
Hours for Mini Dixie Donuts at 1003 Russell Parkway are 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The number is 478-951-4670.
