Local coffee shop becomes a stop for conversation and community
By Dakota Gold
Staff Writer
Arts, Culture & Technology
What began as a place to grab a cup of coffee has grown into a favorite spot for the Rock Hill community. Mug & Maple, located in The Power House at 378 Technology Center Way, combines New England flair with a welcoming atmosphere to make customers feel at home.
When the shop opened in April 2026, Nate and Kate Kingsley wanted to create more than another place to grab a quick cup of coffee. They envisioned a gathering place where customers could slow down, connect with others and feel like part of the community.
For Nate Kingsley, that vision grew from a love of coffee that started at a young age.
Kingsley had his first cup of coffee at eight years old. When he began working for Espresso Dave’s in college, he developed a deeper appreciation for it and the business behind it.
He knew at some point in his life that he would open a coffee shop. After moving away from the gym business, Kingsley decided it was time to turn that goal into reality.
For them, opening a coffee shop is about more than just the coffee. They wanted the shop to reflect their values, including their approach to food and ingredients.
Mug & Maple prioritizes healthy, real food, so they do not use seed oils or artificial ingredients. They use locally sourced milk and organic flavors, even using New England maple syrup in their signature “OG Maple” coffee, as they are from New Hampshire.
Kingsley’s vision for the shop is a place where people can walk into a welcoming atmosphere.
“I want you to immediately feel like we are friends,” he said.
He wants it to be a place where customers can stay for a while, meet up with friends, and if nothing else, enjoy a cup of coffee.
“I want to be the spot where people feel comfortable coming, regardless of who they are, and for them to know that they will feel welcome,” Kingsley said.
The focus on hospitality is one of the qualities, Kingsley believes, separates Mug & Maple from other coffee shops.
While the shop offers fresh food and coffee, Kingsley said the experience customers receive when they walk through the door is just as important.
“We want you to smile and feel good while you are here. Hospitality to us is paramount,” Kingsley said.
Braden Heffner, junior exercise science major at Winthrop University, was one winner of Mug & Maple’s grand opening campaign where they hid keychains around downtown Rock Hill that gave recipients free coffee for a year.
They hid one on the pool deck of The Nest, which is an off-campus apartment complex where many upperclassmen at Winthrop reside.
“Before I even had the coffee, I already got great vibes from the place. Nate is a really good guy and he strives for community. Before the coffee, he focuses on hospitality, and that is the cherry on top,” Heffner said.
The Kingsleys want the sense of community to extend beyond the walls of the coffee shop.
Mug & Maple aims to give back to the community that loves and supports their shop. Each month they do something towards a nonprofit organization, school or local group.
On September 1, first responders could come in and get a free coffee, and the month before that they worked with The Isaiah House, which is a transitional home for children awaiting placement.
“It’s just reaching out to the community, saying ‘Hey, we appreciate you guys and all the work you do,’” Kingsley said.
The community connection has become an important part of Mug & Maple’s identity.
Rather than serving customers and sending them on their way, Kingsley hopes the shop becomes a place people return to, not only for the coffee, but for the people and atmosphere that come with it.
Kingsley’s goal in the next few years for Mug & Maple is to expand to more locations, but first, he is focused on mastering the craft. Each cup of coffee is made to the best of their ability.
His long-term goal for the shop is to make the Top 100 Best Coffee Shops list, becoming a spot where people go out of their way to try it.
As Mug & Maple continues to establish itself in Rock Hill, Kingsley hopes the shop remains true to the vision that inspired it in the first place.
The coffee shop is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, though weekend hours differ.
Mug & Maple is holding a “day rave” on Oct. 10 from 12 to 5 p.m. with free admission.
It will include music, live DJ sets, food and coffee, games and over $1,000 in gift card giveaways.
