Not everyone associates getting a superb cup of coffee and excellent service with a gas station… but that pretty much describes Rise Up Coffee Roasters. This local chain of coffee stores set up one of its first establishments in a refurbished gas station, creating a perfect spot for quick, in and out service complete with a drive-through for increased convenience. However, the antique setting of the building adds an old fashioned charm that resonates with the extremely friendly staff and of course, the delicious coffee.
This wonderful hometown establishment began percolating when its owner Tim Cureton had a life changing experience in the Peace Corps. Ever since then, the Shore has been fortunate enough to enjoy top-quality joe. Rise Up uses all organic coffee. We were surprised to learn that coffee as a crop receives the third most pesticides. Not only is organic coffee healthy for the consumer, but it also benefits the environment. By using eco-friendly techniques, organic coffee farming reduces deforestation in the rainforest and helps to maintain soil fertility. With a cup of coffee that does all that, you can wake up with a jolt of caffeine and a good feeling every morning.
According to Cureton, his company mission is, “to provide the best coffee experience possible. To that end, there are no lengths we will not go to in order to make this happen!” So getting a specialized order just the way you like it? Not a problem. One of the helpful baristas will be more than happy to 
make your drink. That’s another thing Cureton emphasized, “We pride ourselves on providing a WOW level of customer service. In order to accomplish this we only hire and train amazingly talented people, who thrive off of human connections. Simply put, our philosophy in business is ‘Quality backed by quality people.’”
So what is the best thing on the menu at Rise Up? “We’re locally famous for The Original Coffee Smoothie,” Cureton said. “(Its) our blended coffee drink made with our proprietary recipe.” Sounds good to us! It’s no wonder they’ve developed such a strong, loyal following over the years. On Salisbury’s why sby website, a page dedicated to the reasons why people have moved to and continue to live in Salisbury, one user pointed out Rise Up Coffee as their initiative to live in the community! Rise Up has also won ‘Best Coffee’ on the Shore for five years in a row, just another reason to stop by.
Salisbury is not the only place anyone can enjoy Rise Up, there is also a location in St. Michaels and the original store in Easton. Even if we didn’t live close to a Rise Up store, we would buy a bag of coffee beans grounds and take that wonderful package of gold wherever we went. Its just that good.
