“Where’s My Ham?” – A Story of Coffee, Connection, and Community

In Episode 19 of the BeansAndMore.coffee podcast, host Paddy takes us on a journey to McBride Train Station in Drogheda, where we meet the wonderful Elaine Kirwan, the heart and soul behind thekoffeekart. Elaine’s story is more than just one of brewing coffee — it’s about resilience, community, and the simple joy of human connection.

Elaine’s path to running her coffee cart wasn’t a straightforward one. After working nearly 19 years at Coca-Cola, a wave of restructuring left her with a difficult choice. But as Elaine recounts with humor and honesty, she always loved the idea of running a coffee shop. Even before she liked coffee herself, she cherished the atmosphere of coffee shops — places where people came together, shared stories, and found comfort in a cup.

When redundancy gave her the opportunity to pursue this dream, Elaine seized it. She bought a converted coffee van in 2019 and set up shop at McBride Train Station. Her enthusiasm was palpable, but just two weeks later, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, bringing the world to a standstill. The once-busy station became eerily quiet, with just a single car in the car park. But instead of giving up, Elaine adapted. The lockdown saw people heading out for walks as one of the few permissible activities, and coffee quickly became a source of comfort and routine for many.

Elaine describes how she became a lifeline for locals, especially those living alone during lockdown. She invited people to come down to her cart — even if they didn’t buy a coffee — just to chat and break the silence of isolation. Her little tables and chairs, spread out in the sunshine, became a hub for connection. Many of the people who discovered her during that difficult time remain loyal customers today, and Elaine credits them with keeping her going. As she says, these early supporters are her “bread and butter.”

But running thekoffeekart hasn’t been without its challenges — or its comedic moments. One day, while juggling orders and conversations, she served a cappuccino with a surprise teabag at the bottom of the cup. The customer returned the next day laughing, saying, “It was actually lovely!” Now, he jokingly requests a cappuccino without a teabag. Then there was the time she accidentally made a ham sandwich without the ham, prompting the episode’s playful title: “Where’s My Ham?”

Despite the long hours — starting her day at 3:30 AM and working until late into the night — Elaine’s joy is infectious. Her cheerful demeanor and commitment to quality make every visit to TheKoffeeKart special. She jokes that 98% of her business is coffee, and she’s a lifeline for the commuters who rely on their morning caffeine fix. Elaine believes that it’s not just the coffee that keeps people coming back — it’s the experience. The smile, the chat, the feeling that someone cares about their day.

Coffee, Community, and Connection

Elaine’s story highlights the incredible power of small businesses to foster community. During the isolation of COVID, her kart became a place of refuge. She recalls how friends who lived alone would stop by just for a chat, telling her later that she was a “lifeline” for them. These moments, where coffee becomes more than just a drink, are at the heart of what makes thekoffeekart so special.

Elaine also shares how she slowly expanded her offerings. Starting with coffee, pastries, and her now-famous toasted ham and cheese sandwiches, she listened to customer requests and adjusted accordingly. Her philosophy is simple: “If someone asks for something, I’ll get it. If it doesn’t work, I’ll cut it.” This flexibility and willingness to adapt have helped her business thrive.

The Secret Society of Coffee Lovers

When asked about a fun initiation ritual for a fictional coffee shop society, Elaine suggests a quadruple espresso as the ultimate test of dedication! For those new to coffee, though, she recommends starting with something milky like a cappuccino or latte — a gentle initiation that often hooks people into the world of coffee. She’s seen many tea drinkers convert to flat whites and espressos over time.

Elaine also delights in creating unique drinks for her customers. Her “dirty chai” — a spiced chai latte with a shot of espresso — is a customer favorite. And no matter the season, iced coffees are always on the menu, with customers adding all sorts of syrups and toppings, turning their drinks into decadent desserts.

A Theme Song for the Coffee Cart

When asked what song best represents her business, Elaine picks “Simply the Best” by Tina Turner — a fitting choice for a place known for its excellent coffee, homemade pastries, and warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things done well are truly the best.

Visit The Coffee Cart

You can find Elaine at the McBride Train Station in Drogheda:

• Monday to Friday: 5 AM – 12:30 PM

• Saturday: 7 AM – 1 PM

• Sunday: Closed

Follow Elaine on Instagram and Facebook at @thekoffeekart to stay updated on all the latest brews and news.

Listen to the full episode on: www.beansandmore.coffee

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