MONCKS CORNER, S.C. — A popular local coffee shop in Moncks Corner’s Foxbank community announced it will soon close its doors after nearly 10 years of serving the community.
Ashley Burbage Gaskins, the owner of Essentials Coffee, shared the news in a heartfelt social media post earlier this month, telling customers that the shop’s final day of service will be March 14.
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“After nearly 10 years of pouring into this space, it’s time to close this chapter,” the post read. “This coffee shop has been more than a business. It’s been growth. It’s been grit. It’s been becoming.”
According to the owner, the decision was difficult and made with a heavy heart, explaining that the shop had been a place where she learned to lead, persevere, and grow personally and professionally.
“This decision was not one we wanted to make,” the post continued. “But sometimes strength looks like knowing when a season has run its course, even when you love it deeply.”
A Gathering Place in Moncks Corner
Over the years, Essentials Coffee became more than just a place to grab a drink for many residents. Customers frequently gathered there for meetings, celebrations, or simply a quiet place to relax.
In the closing announcement, the owners encouraged supporters to stop by before the shop closes.
“If this space has meant something to you — if we’ve ever made your morning better, hosted your meeting, celebrated your win, or simply been your quiet corner — we’d love to see you over the next two weeks,” the post said.
Coffee Truck to Continue
While the brick-and-mortar shop will close, Burbage Gaskins said her mobile coffee venture will remain active.
“The Doppio by Essentials will still be out and about — still pouring, still showing up, still building,” the post said. “The wheels are still turning. The fire is still there.”
The announcement emphasized that the closure does not mark the end of their work in the coffee community, but rather a transition.
“We’re not disappearing. We’re evolving,” Burbage Gaskins wrote.
Community Reacts
The announcement quickly prompted an outpouring of support and nostalgia from customers who said the shop had become a special part of the community.
“It was never just about the coffee — though it was always so great — or the amazing food,” wrote Kristen Lewis in a comment on the post. “It was the atmosphere — that cozy, Boho warmth that wrapped around you the moment you walked in. The soft hum of conversation, the amazing decor, the light pouring through the windows.”
Lewis added that the shop felt like a “warm, safe haven in the middle of an ordinary small town that is getting bigger fast.”
“We need more places like Essentials rather than another Wendy’s, McDonald’s, or Dunkin,” she wrote.
Other customers expressed sadness over the news.
“I’m heartbroken,” wrote Gayle Sassano. “I don’t think I’ll ever experience friendlier service, genuine love of the craft and a happier place for coffee.”
Former employee Taylor Morin also shared memories of working there.
“Working at Essentials is still to this day one of my all-time favorite jobs,” Morin wrote. “Will greatly miss it.”
Final Days Ahead
With the March 14 closing date approaching, Burbage Gaskins is inviting the community to stop by one last time.
“Thank you for nearly a decade of support, loyalty, grace and love,” she said. “You helped build something real here.”
