By opening Continental Coffee, Jillian Boozer savors morning conversations with customers while sharing her knowledge of coffee with ‘the locals.’

Located at 7663 U.S. 72 W., Suite A, the coffee shop offers espresso, decaffeinated espresso and regular blends, along with vanilla and ‘decaf’ blends. Lattes, cappuccinos, breves, frappes and smoothies are on the menu, too.

“Customers can mix and match all of our flavors into any drinks,” Boozer said.

After her first cappuccino in Munich, Germany, Boozer was convinced to work with coffee. “Europe’s coffee culture is so inspiring you cannot help but fall in love with the concept of local coffee shops,” she said.

Boozer has created a place for people to savor a great latte while learning about the nature of coffee. She and five employees strive to learn customers’ favorite drinks. “We want our customers to come in and enjoy our free Wi-Fi and comfortable atmosphere,” she said.

Mochas and white mochas are popular, and customers enjoy mixing flavors with mocha. “The most exotic flavors we offer would be banana white mocha, white chocolate raspberry and the ‘Mojo Risin,'” Boozer said. All flavors can be hot, over ice or blended.

For a snack, Continental Coffee sells blueberry, banana and double-chocolate muffins; brownies; cookies; ice cream sandwiches; Danishes; and yogurts.

Continental Coffee is Boozer’s first business, although she has worked in the coffee industry for some time. “The business plan for Continental Coffee was created two years ago. I wanted to make coffee my career when I was 17,” she said. “I’m so thankful I had the support of making a dream come true.”

Friendship is her key to success. “I never think of a customer as a number walking through the door … I think of them as potential friends,” Boozer said.

Store hours are Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information about Continental Coffee, call 256-325-2442 or visit Facebook/Continental Coffee for promotions and discounts.