“Where’s My Ham?” – A Story of Coffee, Connection, and Community

In Episode 19 of the BeansAndMore.coffee podcast, Paddy takes us to Drogheda’s McBride Train Station, where we meet Elaine Kirwan, the friendly face behind TheKoffeeKart. From her early days of redundancy to building a thriving coffee business, Elaine shares her journey filled with resilience, humor, and heartwarming connections.

After leaving a 19-year career at Coca-Cola, Elaine pursued her dream of running a coffee cart, just weeks before the world shut down for COVID. What seemed like a challenging start turned into a story of community support and friendship. Locals seeking comfort and connection during lockdown found a welcoming space by her cart, and some of those early customers remain loyal friends today.

Elaine’s passion shines through her dedication — from remembering dozens of orders by heart to ensuring every cup is served with a smile. And yes, even the occasional “ham sandwich without the ham” adds to the charm! Whether it’s a flat white, a quirky dirty chai, or a laugh over a cappuccino with a teabag, TheKoffeeKart is more than just a stop for coffee — it’s a lifeline of community spirit.

🎵 And if you’re wondering what theme song captures this delightful spot? It’s none other than “Simply the Best” by Tina Turner — perfectly summing up the coffee, the service, and the heart behind it all.

Find Elaine at the Drogheda Train Station, weekdays from 5 AM to 12:30 PM and Saturdays from 7 AM to 1 PM. Follow her journey on Instagram and Facebook at @TheKoffeeKart.

Listen to the full episode on: www.beansandmore.coffee

Follow us on Instagram, X, and TikTok for more behind-the-scenes stories. ☕✨