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The LaFayette coffee shop, Gimme Some Sugar is under new ownership. Michael and Hollie Foster celebrated buying the store with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday. A large crowd, including local politicians, business owners and the couple that opened the coffee shop, Justin and Jennifer Graves were present.

Michael said they don’t plan on changing the shop much. The two original employees have stayed on, the same vendors will sell there and the popular food and drink items will remain.

“Everything’s gonna stay the same. The only thing that may come is maybe another location…People have an interest in us going into the Valley or Lanett area. So my goal by the end of the year or within the next year is to have a location down there,” Michael said.

Michael is a co-owner of Be Still Creative in Valley, which printed the stickers for the store’s cups.

“I used to work in Alexander City. So on my way, I just stopped through here and did business with them because they did business with us. And I just got to know them and became friends with Justin and Jennifer,” Michael said.

When the Graves decided to sell in order to spend more time with their grandchildren, Michael was the first call.

While another location may be in the store’s future, Michael promised the Graves when he bought Gimme Some Sugar that the LaFayette store would be the focus.

“We know it’s never gonna make us rich. But we employ three to four excellent girls who work for us. On my days off I get to be here. I get to meet people,” Michael said.

Michael, who is also a pastor at the Remenant of Hope Church, said he wants to use the shop as a different kind of ministry.

“So we just enjoy serving the community. We enjoy meeting new people, meeting new faces, making new friends,” he said.

Before the cutting of the ribbon, some made speeches, including Carrie Wood, the director of the Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, Kenneth Vines, the mayor of LaFayette, and Doug Jones, a County Commissioner. Michael went last, addressing Jennifer Graves.

“Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to continue on with what y’all started,” Michael said.