Meet Mattie McClamrock | Coffee Lover & Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mattie McClamrock and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mattie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting in middle school, I went to my first coffee shop and fell in love. Throughout high school, my passion deepened, and I would go to a coffee shop every chance I got.

What drew me to coffee shops was the community that they created! They created a place where people felt welcomed, and it was a place where you could connect with people over a delicious cup of coffee. Sooner or later, I also grew to love the art of coffee as well.

Fast forward a few years, and the idea to start my own coffee shop came to mind. To open a place in my own community where people felt like they belonged and to create a brand that brought a little joy to people’s lives. Fast forward a few years later and we have Mattie Ruth’s.

What should our readers know about your business?
Mattie Ruth’s is a specialty coffee shop located right outside of downtown Concord. We opened on Halloween of 2024, so we haven’t been open for quite a year. In the months we have been open, I am most proud of the regulars and community that we have already created. The regulars that we have at Mattie Ruth’s have become like family in a way. The days I work behind the bar, it is a highlight of my day to be able to talk and connect with them, to develop a relationship.

Getting to where we are at business-wise comes with its ups and downs. I can’t lie and say I was not terrified before we opened! I had a fear of failing, of no one showing up, and at times wanted not to do it because of that. Being scared is okay, but along this process, I have learned not to let it stop me from doing the things placed inside of me. I believe that we have been able to grow over these months by being authentically ourselves and continuing to trust the dream and passion that God has placed inside of me. By showing up every day with the heart to serve others and create a good cup of coffee.

Throughout this process, I am continually learning and growing. If I had to choose the one thing that I have learned throughout these months to share, it would be to stay present. As entrepreneurs, we dream and have goals and visions of where we want to be and where we want to go. And at times, we want to be there now! But as my dad has always told and reminded me, it’s about the journey that gets you there, not the destination. I am living a dream that I have always dreamt and prayed about, and if I’m not careful, I will miss out on it by looking for the next big thing.

Now with that being said, I am super excited about what the future holds with Mattie Ruth’s. I’m excited to see the brand grow and flourish, and have hopes of a few more locations. But most of all, I am excited to continually see the impact that it brings to people’s lives. To bring light into a crazy world, and if anything, just put a smile on people’s faces.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a friend visiting for the week, I would obviously have to take them to all my favorite coffee spots in the city (besides mine 🙂 ). Below are my top 5 coffee shops in Charlotte and the surrounding areas.

1. HEX Coffee and Kitchen
2. Provided Coffee and Community
3. Platform Coffee and Kitchen
4. Verb Coffee (Concord)
5. Sorella (Monroe)

Now on to the food. Charlotte/Concord has some great food, but below are my favorites.

1. Mama Ricottas
2. Yunta
3. Tuttis Italian Deli (Concord)
4. Noble Smoke
5. Birria Tacos (Concord)

In my free time, I love to go thrifting, so hitting the main thrift stores would be a must. Value Village, Salvation Army, and Goodwill are my favorites. Besides thrifting, I would take my friend to these places:

1. Camp North End
2. Charlotte FC Game
3. The Depot at Gibson Mill (Concord)
4. Southend (for shopping)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would not be where I am or who I am without my parents. They have encouraged me to chase my dreams for as long as I can remember, and have been my number one cheerleader while I do it. They always told my sister and me not to let fear stop us from doing what has been put inside of us, and I can’t thank them enough for that.

The moment I mentioned to my parents that I had an idea of starting my own business, they were on board and have helped me every step of the way. I am forever grateful for all they have done for me and can say I would not be able to do what I am doing today without them by my side.

Website: https://www.mattieruths.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattieruths/?hl=en. https://www.instagram.com/mattiemcclamrock/?hl=en

Image Credits
photographer: recklessrevival (noelle pierce)