Coffee shop part of airport’s new leasing program

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A new coffee shop opened today at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport as part of the airport’s Community Opportunity Leasing Agreement program.

The COLA program (.pdf) is a short-term, low-risk opportunity available to local small businesses and independent merchants, according to the airport’s website. Participants lease kiosks in the airport terminal on a six- or 12-month renewable basis and pay the airport a monthly base rent of $400 or $815, or 12% of gross sales, whichever is greater.

Red Eye Express Coffee, owned and operated by Tim Smaha, Adam Heirs, Lisa Matthews and Stan Matthews, will be open Monday through Friday beginning at 4:30 a.m. and on Saturday and Sunday beginning at 5 a.m., according to a news release from the airport.

“We’re excited to have Red Eye Express Coffee join the CAE family of vendors and know their unique beverage options will be a hit with travelers in need of a pick me up,” airport executive director Mike Gula said in the release.

Red Eye Express will serve products from Columbia-based Loveland Coffee and Charleston Tea Plantation along with pastries from Crust Bakery, located in Rosewood. The coffee shop also plans to donate coffee grounds and compostable products to Riverbanks Zoo & Garden and will feature drinks created by head barista, Amanda Eduy.