10/08/2025
“Everything just fell into place.”
The idea for this coffee shop had been brewing for a few years. My dad and I would talk about it all the time. I’d tell him, “I want to open a coffee shop someday.”
My family has called Dillon home for a little over twenty years, even though I lived in Florence when I was young. What I love most about this town is the people. Dillon really is like one big family—neighbors helping neighbors, everyone pulling together. There are so many good people here, and we love being part of that. I knew from the start that I wanted my shop to be here.
The first building we looked at was across town about three or four years ago, but that one didn’t work out. Then last year everything just started falling into place and it finally happened. One day, I was driving past the space where we are now and saw it was available. I called my dad and said, “Hey, this one’s opened up. Let’s go check it out.”
We did—and just like that, we made a deal. It felt like it was meant to be. Before us, the building had been a juice bar, and before that, an old shoe store—it's had a long life, and we were looking forward to making it our own.
I wanted this shop to be more than just coffee. My dad’s a pastor, and ministry has always been part of our lives. We wanted this to be a place where we can share Jesus and give back to the community, so we decided to run it under our non-profit, Project Jesus Ministries, Inc.. This business and The High Tower Thrift Store next door both help support the mission of the non-profit and everything we make here goes straight to supporting the work we do in Dillon. I’m so excited the Lord has opened this door for my family & me.
When you walk in, there’s a little bit of everything. We do hot and iced coffees and lattes, of course. Our refreshers come with lemonade or green tea bases—my sister likes hers with club soda. We have all kinds of flavors you can mix in. We also have ice cream, make milkshakes, and even slushies when someone asks for them. If you’re hungry, we’ve got chicken salad, pimento cheese, pasta salad, muffins—plenty of variety to choose from.
We opened at the end of January 2024, and it’s been such a joy seeing people walk in for the first time. There are still folks who haven’t heard about us, and we meet new faces every day. The welcome we’ve gotten from the community has been amazing.
One of my favorite things about the shop is seeing people just come in and hang out. Whether you want to sip your coffee slowly, have a conversation, or just enjoy some quiet time, this is a place where you can stay as long as you like.
We’ve made it family and kids-friendly too—there are little toys and activities so they can play while parents relax. Honestly, we don’t mind a little mess; it’s all part of making people feel at home.
People also come here for Bible studies or to work quietly. It’s great seeing the shop being used in so many ways—community members connecting, kids playing, people enjoying a coffee, and everyone feeling welcome.
Every day, we get to see the impact of a little kindness, a warm cup of coffee, and a welcoming space. It’s amazing how something as simple as sharing a drink and a conversation can brighten someone’s day.
We’re proud to be part of Dillon, to serve our neighbors, support our nonprofit, and create a space where everyone feels at home—whether it’s a parent with kids, someone studying quietly, or friends catching up.
At the end of the day, this shop isn’t just about coffee and treats—it’s about community, connection and giving back. That’s what makes The Red Cardinal Coffee & Shakes special, and we’re so grateful to be able to do it right here in Dillon.
Come by, say hello, get a drink and stay awhile.
Follin Caulder
The Red Cardinal Coffee & Shakes
102 West Main Street, Dillon SC
843-506-8104
