Elizabeth Jackson

Amsden Coffee Club in Downtown Versailles.

Numerous corporations have surfaced in Versailles over the past few months. Just this month, Versailles welcomed its very own Dunkin Donuts. Everyone has been very excited about this–as seen in the elongated lines eager to try. To extend, Versailles will welcome a 7 Brew Coffee on September 11th. A convenient, efficient drive-thru coffee spot. At first glance, it is an excellent addition. Two coffee chains we all know and love, two new convenient options for your morning rush. But what has this really done to Versailles?

Amsden Coffee Club is a local coffee shop and mercantile in downtown Versailles. Going on 6 years of business, The Amsden has changed the dynamic of our small town completely. From introducing town events like free story time for children, and summer/fall movie nights, numerous opportunities and functions have made Versailles so much more enjoyable. Additionally, the influence and success of The Amsden has attracted numerous other local businesses to get started on Main Street, including: Kristen’s Kreations, Mrs. Roger’s Cafe and Sweet Shoppe, Yellow Rose & Co., My Darling & Co., and even more.

In recent months, Mrs. Roger’s Cafe has decided to close due to lack of business and support. Only a few years ago, this shop had opened and was booming with business. Now, nobody has shown, solely due to the surplus of easier options for popcorn and sweets that corporations have provided us. Versailles is bringing in too many corporations. In time, all of the work that these local shops have put into our Main Street will be for not if we do not work to give them the recognition they deserve.

Our local businesses have worked so hard to get to where they are today. As a community, we cannot let them fall now. These businesses may be some other stop to you, but to someone else, it is their entire life and passion. Be kind and shop small!