Cofee shop's creation was pure Serendipity

Serendipity is defined as a fortunate accident in which you find something valuable or pleasing when you are not looking for it.

That is exactly what Marty and Lisa Matfess consider their recently opened business of the same name.

Serendipity is a combination coffee house, deli and ice cream shop all in one friendly location. It opened March 20 on Washington Road just past the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Evans.

Mr. Matfess' dream has been to open an ice cream shop, but he always kept it only as an idea. The couple moved to Windmill Plantation 14 months ago because of Mr. Matfess' job as general manager of the Holiday Inn West. Everywhere they have lived, which has been several states, the couple looked at possible locations, but nothing seemed right - until the Eagle Pointe opportunity.

//

"The day we signed the lease, I found out the hotel I worked for was being sold," Mr. Matfess said. "That was a twist of fate. Our lives are one fortunate accident after another."

Hence the name Serendipity, which actually was the idea of Hilary Matfess, the couple's 11-year-old daughter.

With more than 20 ice cream flavors and about that many smoosh-ins including Gummy Bears, chocolate chips and M&Ms, the ice cream is also designed by each customer's personal taste. Mrs. Matfess has been a stay-at-home mother for the past 11 years and Mr. Matfess only recently resigned from his job, he said. Now, they work long hours together.

They also serve Starbuck's Coffees and Boar's Head deli meats.

"We are having a blast so far," Mrs. Matfess said.

Serendipity is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday; until midnight Friday; 8 a.m. to midnight Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday.

"They are doing a good thing and we are glad they are here," said Adam Meister of the Edward Jones office two doors down.

For more information, call Serendipity at 868-1911.