I have a friend who likes to preface statements with, “This is a true fact.” Apparently, a simple fact does not offer enough emphasis for him.

I’m going to borrow it for this blog and tell you, it’s a true fact that Delaware County has more coastline than any other county in Ohio. True fact. We have 140 miles of coastline with our various reservoirs and rivers.

That’s where the recently opened Coastline Coffee in Delaware County got its name. It’s paying homage to Delaware County being the coastline capital of Ohio.

Co-owner Elizabeth Hampton will tell you that it’s actually paying tribute to some coastline that she claims runs along the entire western edge of California, where she used to be a little surfer girl, like in the Beach Boys song. But we all know that she’s talking about Delaware County.

Okay, enough prattle about coastlines. Let’s talk Coastline and java!

Coastline Coffee was opened Dec. 18 at the corner of Home and Dublin roads by the aforementioned Elizabeth and her mother, Kym Hampton, in the space previous occupied by a bait shop.

Kym moved to Central Ohio from California in 2021 after her husband was transferred here for work. Daughter Elizabeth followed in 2022. While in California, they both enjoyed coffee, and Kym had worked for years in a local coffee shop.

They explored the idea of opening their business, and since they were both passionate about coffee, well, it became a no-brainer. They found a bean roaster and the location – officially at 7775 Dublin Rd. in Delaware – and began working on the buildout in May of last year. It took a little longer than expected, probably because it takes a while to get the smell of minnows and nightcrawlers out of the woodwork.

Since the opening, Kym said their business has been “slammed.”

“We are really pleased with how well things have gone so far,” Kym said. “This is the first time we’ve run our own business, so we didn’t know what to expect. Everyone has been very friendly and welcoming to the neighborhood. We’re glad to be here.”

Coastline specializes in traditional coffees, expresso-based drinks and nitro cold brew. They also offer Italian sodas, smoothies, and fresh-baked goods from the Der Dutchman, The Underground Baker, Sweet Swirl Bakery, and the Flour Barn Bakery. The Hamptons are hoping to have their beer and wine license soon. They also have merch, such as T-shirts, sweatshirts and cool mugs that look like the ones people have been fighting over at Target.

Coastline hosts open mic nights on first and third Thursdays of each month, 6-8:30 p.m., for aspiring musicians, comedians and poets.

Coastline’s hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays. After the time change on Sunday, March 10, the shop will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday through Saturday. There also will be patio seating available once the frostbite risk has passed.

Kym and Elizabeth said they both like Delaware County, though Elizabeth said she could live without all the Canada Geese poo at Delaware Beach. (Can I get an Amen?)

While in California, Elizabeth competed as a sponsored surfer and skateboarder. Sadly, she has hung her surfboard on the wall at Coastline Coffee as a decoration, forced into retirement because apparently the waves at Alum Creek Reservoir are not to the same caliber as those in the Pacific Ocean. (I’m not a surfer, so I can’t verify this one way or the other.)

However, I can verify that we are happy to have the Hamptons and Coastline Coffee in Delaware County. Check it out.

By: Robin Yocum