Coffee shop gives Chatham a shot of energy

CHATHAM — Ron and Suzanne Brown aim to deliver a jolt to downtown Chatham with their new coffee shop and eatery on North Main Street.

The New England natives opened Chathamooca at 33 N. Main St., the former Fleur-de-lis location, Monday. Besides the usual coffee beverages like espressos, cappuccinos and lattes, the Browns’ new venture also offers lunch and breakfast sandwiches, soups, salads, paninis, wraps, ice cream, shakes and pastries.

The Browns, who moved to Chatham from Powhatan about 2 1/2 years ago, happened upon the building on North Main when they stopped in the Fleur-de-lis to check out the antiques. Their visit was fortuitous. 

“We ... found out the owner was moving to South Carolina,” Ron said.

Before opening Chathamooca, Ron worked in sales and marketing for a medical-imaging company.

So the Browns bought the property, which includes office space, Victor Millner’s law practice, and two apartments, about a year ago. The Browns, who grew up in Massachusetts and lived in New Hampshire before moving to Virginia, had always talked about opening up a business, Suzanne said. They asked residents in Chatham what kind of establishment they wanted in town – it was a coffee shop. 

“It just kind of fell into place,” Suzanne said.

The Browns, who have seven grown children, also wanted to give the area’s young people, especially those from Hargrave Military Academy and Chatham Hall, a place to hang out. Chathamooca has about 15 part-time employees.

In addition, they wanted their kitchen to present healthier foods — the menu includes a selection of meatless dishes as well as low-carb items for diabetics.

“We wanted to offer healthy alternatives,” Suzanne said.

They also love their newly-adopted town. The Browns are active in the community and they joined Chatham First.

“We want to be part of that,” Suzanne said. “We want to see Chatham grow and people to appreciate it for what it is.” 

Chathamooca has no set hours. The Browns keep their doors open from the time people enter until they stop showing up.

The interior has a gold motif, a hardwood floor and exposed brick, while the table covers boast cow-print designs with ladybugs.

Suzanne designed the interior, while Ron and a few friends remodeled the building. Ron constructed an additional bathroom, kitchen, counters and the dishwashing and storage areas.