Lamar Blvd. Photograph was captured on Feb. 17, 2025. Photo by Calli Hull.
A second Shadrach’s Coffee location is anticipated to open by early April at 2450 South Lamar Blvd., near the Oxford Self Storage building across from the Harlan Drive intersection.
The first Shadrach’s Coffee in Oxford opened on Jackson Avenue in 2022. The new Shadrach’s location is within the Traditional Neighborhood Business District, which does not allow drive-through facilities; however, the Oxford Planning Commission granted an exception to Shadrach’s.
Brad Akins, who owns both locations, saw the establishment of a second location as an opportunity to bring coffee to an underserved part of Oxford.
“We decided on South Lamar Boulevard because of all of the businesses and homes on that side of Oxford with zero coffee shops,” Brad Akins said. “I had a great opportunity to build on the spot of land across from Phillips Grocery and took it.”
Shadrach’s manager Heath Akins said the company will focus on creating a welcoming environment for both customers and employees.
“I can confidently say that we are a coffee shop that genuinely cares about the happiness and joy of our employees and customers,” Heath Akins said. “We want to treat everyone like they are family and are loved, and I think it shows.”
Assistant manager LeeLee Seicshnaydre said Shadrach’s prioritizes more than just coffee — it is the relationship they form with the community.
“We make sure our drive-thru is designed to get customers their drinks as quickly as possible, but most importantly, each of our baristas knows that a smile and a kind word goes a long way,” Seicshnaydre said. “Brightening people’s days is our biggest goal at Shadrach’s.”
With the introduction of a new drive-thru shop, many residents are concerned about increased traffic on South Lamar Boulevard. Brad Akins assured the community that the new facility will accommodate up to 30 cars, which is more than the capacity of the Jackson Avenue location.
“We have reduced the size of the building but increased the drive thru lanes,” Brad Akins said.
Hiring for the new location is expected to begin soon.
“One of our goals is consistency because we want to make sure that no matter which location you stop at, you get the same great coffee and friendly faces,” Seicshnaydre said.
Brad Akins added that owning Shadrach’s has been a life-changing experience.
“It means so much and we are so thankful that Oxford has made Shadrach’s their favorite coffee place,” Brad said. “The overwhelming support we have gotten from this community has been simply wonderful, and that has made it possible to open another location.”
