Walk down Catawba Avenue in downtown Cornelius and you’ll spot a charming white building with flower pots and patio seating out front. The big black sign simply reads “The Coffee Shop”—and that straightforward approach tells you everything you need to know about owner Kas Matos’s philosophy.
But this cozy coffee haven has an interesting backstory. Just two years ago, this same space housed Thigs, an intimate cocktail bar inspired by Matos’s travels to Amsterdam.
When Success Becomes a Problem
Thigs was undeniably popular with exceptional craft cocktails and a sophisticated atmosphere. But with seating for just 35 people, the bar was constantly packed, leaving disappointed customers walking away.
“We would get packed,” Matos explains. “Customers loved us, but we had a lot of customers just walking away.”
After three years of battling capacity constraints, Matos realized something had to change. Instead of expanding or moving, he chose a different path entirely.
Perfect Timing
The pivot wasn’t just about space—it was about market trends. Alcohol consumption has dropped over 10% nationally, while coffee continues growing steadily even through economic downturns. Plus, downtown Cornelius lacked a walkable coffee shop where people could work.
“People are moving away to alternatives,” Matos observes, “and coffee is one of the only industries that continues to grow through recessions.”
The transformation required few physical changes. They kept the moody, antique atmosphere customers loved, added comfortable seating and high-tops, and ensured plenty of outlets for laptops.
Best of Both Worlds
Here’s where The Coffee Shop gets interesting: they kept their liquor license. While you can grab your morning latte, you can also order an espresso martini or spicy margarita from the Thigs era. Weekend mimosa specials and hemp-infused beverages round out a menu serving customers from sunrise to sunset.
The coffee comes from Night Swim Coffee, a Charlotte-based roaster supplying popular spots like Undercurrent and Not Just Coffee. Charlotte professionals who know Night Swim often discover The Coffee Shop during weekend lake visits.
A Unique Neighbor
Next door, Matos operates Twiggs, a CBD and hemp dispensary designed to be welcoming rather than intimidating. The bright, clean space embraces customers and newcomers.
“We wanted to make it very welcoming,” Matos explains. “A lot of smoke shops can be intimidating with bright lights and chaos. We kept it simple.”
Thanks to North Carolina’s 2018 Farm Bill compliance, Twiggs legally sells hemp flower, CBD products, and infused beverages—all under 0.3% Delta-9 THC.
The businesses work synergistically. Many customers seeking alcohol alternatives also explore CBD products. The Coffee Shop offers “wake and bake” specials—any beverage paired with pre-rolls at a discount. Hemp-infused drinks actually outsell traditional cocktails.
Community Connection
Both businesses integrate seamlessly into downtown Cornelius. The Coffee Shop hosts rotating food trucks every weekend, offering everything from New York-style bagels to Southern brunch. During weekdays, it becomes an informal coworking space with blazing-fast Wi-Fi.
Matos credits success to collaboration with neighbors like Old Town Public House, Mia Rose Photography, and Nina’s Boutique, creating cross-promotion benefiting the entire downtown area.
Simple Success
The name change itself tells the story. Thigs always required explanation, but “The Coffee Shop” needs no introduction.
“There’s no question what that is,” Matos says. Sometimes the most sophisticated business decision is the simplest one.
Together, these businesses represent a new small business ecosystem: complementary ventures serving overlapping customers while maintaining distinct identities. The Coffee Shop provides that third-place atmosphere—not home, not work, but somewhere comfortable in between. Twiggs offers quality cannabis products without the typical head shop vibe.
In a world where consumers seek alternatives to traditional nightlife and explore wellness options, Matos has created spaces meeting people exactly where they are.
Stop by the white building with the patio on Catawba Avenue. Whether you need morning coffee, afternoon workspace, or evening alternatives, downtown Cornelius has something waiting for you.
The Coffee Shop
21234 Catawba Ave
Cornelius, NC 28031
(980) 689-4234
Get to know the owner of The Coffee Shop, Kas Matos, in episode 280 of The Best of LKN podcast!
About the author:
Jeff Hamm is the creator and producer of The Best of LKN. He’s a local real estate agent and digital marketing professional.
Since 2020, Jeff has been sharing the stories of Lake Norman’s most inspiring small businesses and nonprofits.
When he isn’t working, you can usually find Jeff boating, playing pickleball, cycling local greenways, and taking walks with his dogs Sam and Maisy.
Jeff Hamm
NC Real Estate Broker
Lake Norman | High Country
www.LKNreal.com
Photo credit: LKN Images by Kathleen Martin
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