In 2019, Mary and Ken Olds, the dynamic husband-and-wife duo behind Muggin Coffeehouse, embarked on a journey to bring something special to the Whitehaven area of Memphis. With a $15,000 Inner City Economic Development (ICED) Loan from EDGE, they were able to transform their vision into reality, creating a vibrant gathering spot that offered not just coffee, but a sense of connection.
Muggin Coffeehouse, which first opened its doors in 2020, represented a deep love for coffee, community, and development in Whitehaven. Both Mary and Ken have a rich history of professional experience that informed their approach to running Muggin. Mary, a Whitehaven High School alumna, earned her MBA and brought her retail experience with Target and Starbucks to the business. Ken, with a background in personal banking and financial advising, added financial acumen to the equation, making Muggin not just a passion project but a smart, sustainable business.
With help from the ICED loan program, the Olds family was able to invest in key renovations to their 1,665-square-foot building, erected in 1964. The loan enabled them to upgrade the electrical system, lighting, flooring, ceiling tiles, and build an ADA-compliant restroom, bringing modern comforts to their historic space. Supported by the Greater Whitehaven Economic Redevelopment Corporation, the upgrades ensured that Muggin Coffeehouse would be a welcoming and accessible location for patrons.
Muggin quickly became a local favorite, standing out for its carefully curated gourmet offerings and expertly trained baristas who enhance the customer experience with every visit. Mary’s vision was to create a place that served great coffee and fostered a sense of community pride. The establishment offers a unique selection of beverages, including signature Memphis-themed drinks like the Muggin’ Mane, Zippin Pippin, and Flickin on Beale, which kept customers coming back for more.
By investing in the interior buildout and infrastructure of Muggin’s Whitehaven location, the ICED loan gave the Olds family the resources they needed to construct an inviting business. As a result, Muggin became a key part of the Whitehaven neighborhood, filling a much-needed business niche and contributing to the local economy.
In 2023, the success of Muggin Coffeehouse enabled them to open a second spot in Uptown Memphis, expanding their presence and continuing to grow their loyal customer base. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Muggin had to close its Whitehaven doors in early 2024, a bittersweet moment for the Olds family and the neighborhood they had grown to love. In a heartfelt message, Mary and Ken expressed their gratitude, “Being a part of this community over the past four years has been a blessing. But having the opportunity to serve the community in Whitehaven has truly been our honor.”
Although the Whitehaven location is no longer operating, Muggin’s legacy continues through their Uptown shop, where Memphians can still enjoy its specialty coffee drinks and warm, welcoming atmosphere. The ICED loan assisted the Olds family in establishing their dream, reinforcing the importance of underwriting small businesses as cornerstones of economic development.
EDGE’s ICED loan program has proven itself as a vital resource for local entrepreneurs, helping them overcome financial barriers to construct businesses that enrich their communities. Muggin Coffeehouse is an example of what’s possible when passion, vision, and economic support come together. While the Whitehaven location may have closed, the original Muggin brand – and its spirit – continues to thrive. And thanks to the continued aid of initiatives like ICED, more small businesses like Muggin Coffeehouse will have the opportunity to succeed and grow.