Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Biddinger.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Both Saundra and I spent a good portion of each month traveling for work. Over the course of time, we became good friends with the owner, Mitchell Harvey, who one day approached us about purchasing the business. At first, we weren’t interested, but as we learned more, we began a journey of discovery that ultimately led us to take ownership of Mitchell’s.
Founded in 1998, Mitchell’s Coffee House holds the distinction of being Lakeland’s oldest coffee shop. Its rich history and small-town charm immediately resonated with us. Today, we proudly offer a full made-to-order breakfast and lunch menu, along with our signature bakery items and pastries made fresh in our kitchen.
In partnership with the Lakeland Art Society, we feature rotating displays of local artwork, and through our collaboration with Sound House Studios, we host live performances by emerging local musicians. Mitchell’s Coffee House remains a beloved icon in the heart of downtown Lakeland.
Saundra manages the daily operations, while Mark provides ongoing support as his schedule allows, alongside his full-time responsibilities with a local company.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Even though we purchased a business with a strong, proven model, we were eager to make improvements across all areas of operations while honoring the rich history and legacy of Mitchell’s Coffee House. The changes we’ve implemented have been positive overall, but building the culture we envision takes time. Not everyone has embraced the adjustments right away, so we’ve had to thoughtfully navigate the transition to ensure continuity and keep daily operations running smoothly.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Saundra brings over 25 years of experience in healthcare operations, including labor relations, training and compliance, and clinic management. These skills uniquely qualify her to oversee the day-to-day operations of Mitchell’s Coffee House.
Mark has more than 30 years of experience in senior finance roles across a variety of industries, in both for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. He supports Saundra by managing finances, taxes, corporate filings, as well as repair and maintenance for the coffee house.
What were you like growing up?
Both of us have a love for music. We both play instruments and enjoyed taking an active part in our respective youth groups.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mitchellscoffee.com
- Instagram: @mitchellscoffeehouse
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/mitchellscoffee
Image Credits
image credit to Maegan Carroll-Simmons, Carroll Design Co, (https://carrolldesign.co/)
