Monthly Business Appreciation: Urban Monkey Coffee Shop
By Savannah Logan
Whether you are a coffee lover, one who enjoys a specialty drink, or even one who loves a little sweet treat from time to time, Urban Monkey Coffee Shop has something for you.
Urban Monkey Coffee Shop’s roots trace back to 1997, when its owner, Ronnie Echols, first entered the coffee industry by working for Royal Cup Coffee, a well-known national coffee company based in Birmingham, Alabama. After just one year in the business, Ronnie knew his passion for coffee went beyond just working for a large company — he dreamed of opening his own shop someday. Over the next 27 years, he honed his craft, learning everything he could about coffee, from where it’s grown to how it’s roasted. He familiarized himself with the differences between single-origin and blend coffee, explored micro and large-batch roasting, and developed an appreciation for the way coffee is cultivated. Ronnie likens coffee to wine in that its flavor profile depends heavily on where and how it’s grown.
When it came time to name his business, the idea of Urban Monkey stuck with him. A former manager at Royal Cup once mentioned that wines featuring animals on their labels tended to sell more, which inspired Ronnie to give his coffee shop a playful name that would stand out. The combination of “urban” and “monkey” perfectly captured his vision of bringing the urban coffee experience to a more rural setting.
Urban Monkey Coffee Shop has now been in operation for two and a half years. During the first two years, Ronnie ran the shop on his own, working six days a week. From the very beginning, he envisioned his shop as not only a place to get a great cup of coffee but also as a way to educate his customers about the intricacies of coffee beans, their origins, and roasting techniques. The shop offers a wide range of beverages, from classic cappuccinos and lattes to frappes and iced coffees. Seasonal offerings like apple cider, caramel apple cider, and raspberry white chocolate make their menu feel fresh and festive. Urban Monkey is also known for its homemade treats, including cookies, brownies, Ooey Gooey bars, and their signature homemade cheesecake.
Community involvement is a significant part of Urban Monkey’s mission. The shop regularly participates in local events such as the Woodstock Music Festival, Christmas tree lighting at Woodstock Town Hall, and serves coffee at local schools.
Growth has been part of Urban Monkey’s plan from day one. Ronnie’s previous work with Royal Cup gave him valuable connections, including key accounts like UAB Downtown and UAB West. Those relationships paid off when he presented his coffee shop concept to UAB West Medical Center, securing a spot in the new hospital. Two and a half years later, Urban Monkey opened its second location at UAB Medical West, marking a significant milestone for the business.
Looking ahead, Ronnie has ambitious plans for Urban Monkey. He is actively scouting for new locations in the surrounding area and even considering playful names like Urban Lion, Urban Frog, and Urban Horse for future shops. His long-term goal is to expand to five or six locations and eventually pass the business down to his children and grandchildren, ensuring that the Urban Monkey legacy continues for generations.
Urban Monkey Coffee Shop, located at 21625 Eastern Valley Road and is open Tuesday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Whether you’re stopping by for a cup of coffee, a seasonal treat, or just to support a local business, Urban Monkey welcomes you to be part of its journey.
