In the investment world sometimes a recession forces you to go to Plan “B” and sometimes Plan “B” might just win you an award.

Such was the case with Ed Shihadeh, partner in Swan Investors of Leesburg.  Several years ago they purchased the historic building at 17 N. King St, which for decades was the home of Arthur’s Shoe Repair. Their initial plan was to turn the building into a steak house, something Leesburg sorely needs, but that plan called for extensive renovations and additions to the building.  Lots of dollar signs.

With the recession in full swing Ed and partners decided to use the building much as they purchased it.  Ed, who has extensive experience in the world of upscale coffee houses, felt that a new coffeehouse would fair well on that block of King St and thus, on July 3rd, 2009 the “Shoes Cup and Cork Club” was born.

Determined to keep the store’s history in plain view they had the neon sign above the door renovated and lit for the first time in at least 34 years.  “Shoes” now had its official moniker.  With baristas and bagels in place, Ed took the next logical step and offered a full suite of hot and cold sandwiches and subs. Good plan, get a latte in the morning, come back for a sandwich for lunch. And have a lemonade with that sandwich. Shoes Cup and Cork Club serves up what I consider the finest lemonade in the known universe. Perfect for steamy Virginia summer days.