Leonard, Texas -- It all started back in 2020, when Farmhouse Coffee opened as the first coffee shop in Leonard. Chelsi, the now-owner, was behind the counter from day one as a barista. When that shop closed, she helped open an Herbalife store in the same location. But something was missing.
“I just wasn’t happy in that industry,” she said. “What made me happy was being a barista.”
In November 2022, Chelsi casually mentioned to her best friend’s mom, Jonna Hunt, that she wanted to bring the coffee shop back. A few weeks later, Jonna said, “Let’s do it.” What started as a simple conversation turned into a full-blown transformation. In just a week and a half, they converted the space and officially opened the doors to Chelsi’s Country Coffee on December 1st, 2022.
Chelsi’s Country Coffee
607 US-69, Suite 500
Leonard, TX 75452
Hours
Mon–Fri: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Closed Sundays
From the moment you walk in, the vibe is undeniable, warm, nostalgic, and inviting. The shop is decorated with antiques, touches of home, and even a dining room tables that feels like Sunday mornings growing up. It's small-town comfort, with real intention behind it. And the prices? Thoughtfully affordable. “We understand hard times,” Chelsi explains, “and we don’t believe in price gouging.”
The coffee itself comes from Daily Java, a roaster out of Addison, TX. They not only roast their own beans but also craft their own blends. You’ll find those same beans available for retail in the shop, too.
Among their menu of lattes, cold brews, teas, and seasonal specials, one drink continues to stand out: The Firefly. A white mocha latte mixed with cinnamon and toasted marshmallow, it’s a nod to Chelsi’s roots at Farmhouse Coffee and remains a customer favorite.
Speaking of favorites, I tried the George Strait Latte, and let me tell you, it hits all the right notes. It’s a smooth blend of white mocha, hazelnut, and vanilla—sweet, mellow, and rich without being overpowering. One thing I love about Chelsi’s is how everything is customizable. I do mine sugar-free with almond milk, but the whole menu is flexible to fit your taste and diet. Whether you want bold, sweet, fruity, or creamy, they’ve got it all, customizing your drink is part of the experience.
If you’ve heard the buzz about the bucket cups, Chelsi’s has definitely been part of that viral summer trend. Inspired by a woman in Oregon who started it all, Chelsi reached out to her directly to learn the ropes. The 34 oz buckets are non-refillable and fully customizable with nearly any drink you want, from iced lattes, frappes, lemonades, teas—you name it. Just last week, Chelsi’s and their bucket cups were even mentioned on The Ten with FOX 4’s Hanna Battah and Steve Noviello, in a segment highlighting the good vibes across North Texas. And the best part? The most you’ll ever pay is just $10. It's fun, shareable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
I went for the Frappe in the bucket, and highly recommend adding one or two shots of espresso if you like that bold coffee flavor to come through! The drink was smooth, customizable, and just plain fun. Let’s talk about that menu. The menu itself feels like a nod to the golden age of country, with drink names inspired by legends like Reba, Alan Jackson, George Strait, and more. It’s a country playlist in drink form.
One of the most charming touches at Chelsi’s is her themed drink menus, because Chelsi didn’t just slap names on drinks, she curated a whole vibe. This round? Straight outta Gilmore Girls. “The Yale Drop Out,” “Luke & Lorelai on the Rocks,” “Stars Hollow”—if you're a fan, you're already squealing. And guess what? It’s pumpkin season. That’s right, pumpkin is back and Chelsi’s isn’t playing. So grab a “Gilmore’s” (that’s pumpkin brown sugar shaken espresso with toasted marshmallow cold foam, thank you very much) and sip it like the fall-loving, Stars Hollow-living queen you are.
But it’s not just the coffee that draws locals in—the food is made in-house from original recipes, and it shows. Their top-selling baked goods include the blueberry muffins, monkey bread, and the melt-in-your-mouth Sopapilla Cheesecake Muffins (Chelsi’s personal favorite). Jonna swears by the cinnamon chocolate chip muffins paired with an Irish cream cold brew.
And don’t sleep on the food menu. Chelsi’s didn’t just come to play, she came to feed you. From the “Boss Hog Croissant” to the “Yardbird Club,” this place is stacked with big-flavor sandwiches, wraps, salads, and even breakfast burritos that'll have you saying “Starbucks who?” You can roll through for your latte and leave with a Country Bowl and a cookie, all without breaking the bank or needing a translator to pronounce the ingredients. And just when you think you’ve figured out your go-to order, Chelsi drops a curveball with her special menus. Yep, she keeps it fresh and changes it up, so there’s always something new to try. It’s cozy comfort food with attitude, just like the drinks.
Chelsi’s isn’t just about coffee, it’s about community. Chelsi grew up in Leonard and graduated from Leonard High School in 2018. "Our town needs more locally owned businesses,” she said. “Back when I was in school, I wished for a place like this,a spot to study or hang out with friends. That’s what I try to create here.”
And the locals have responded with enthusiasm, especially the moms. There’s talk of expanding to other locations (possibly following their favorite tractor pull routes!) and even introducing a mobile coffee trailer for community events and pop-ups. As for in-shop events? Chelsi’s keeping a few surprises under wraps for now.
Bottom line: Chelsi’s Country Coffee is more than just a coffee shop, it's a community hub, a passion project. Whether you're sipping a latte named after a country hit, indulging in a house-made muffin, or grabbing a bucket cup on the go, this Leonard gem serves up comfort, creativity, and community with every order. Don't just stop by, make it a habit.
