Helen McCarthy started Kit Coffee in 2018 with a business partner. Initially, they operated out of the Peterborough Regional Farmers Market, and did pop-up shops at Hello Baby on Charlotte Street.
As the business grew the two were faced with the decision of opening a brick and mortar shop. After contemplating, it was decided that McCarthy would carry on with Kit Coffee alone, and she opened up shop on Hunter Street in July 2019.
“This had been something I wanted to do since I was 15,” said McCarthy. “This spot came available and it was already a coffee shop so it really was serendipitous that it was available then and I dove in.”
Since opening, Kit Coffee has faced many hurdles, while still providing downtown Peterborough with fresh coffee and handmade, baked goods.
In January 2020 McCarthy broke her ankle, which prohibited them from working in the shop, meaning she had to pay more employees.
Shortly after that the COVID-19 pandemic shut down Kit Coffee and the local business world took a great hit.
In July 2020 McCarthy broke both of her ankles, sidelining them from her own business yet again.
“It’s a combination of COVID and the fact that I was off work for the better part of two years. 2020 was a terrible year.”