When Savannah Mitchell lost her job during the height of the pandemic, she could hardly have known that one unexpected phone call would mark the beginning of a much bigger dream. Within hours, she had registered Sunday Morning Coffee, turning years of passion for coffee into the first step towards something far more ambitious.
Today, that dream has grown into Sunday Morning at Savannah’s, a unique destination housed within a 200-year-old Maryland manor. Combining boutique accommodation, exceptional coffee, hospitality and community, the property reflects Savannah’s long-held belief that the simplest moments, a good cup of coffee, a shared meal or a conversation on the porch, can bring people together.
From taking on a neglected historic property to completing an extraordinary 45-day restoration, Savannah’s story is one of resilience and a the belief to take a chance on a vision she had carried for decades. We caught up with her to discover how it all began, what she has learned along the way and why creating a place where people can slow down and reconnect remains at the heart of everything she does.
You launched an award-winning coffee company during the pandemic. What gave you the confidence to take that leap, and what did those early days teach you about not giving up?
For years before launching Sunday Morning Coffee, I spent my free time visiting coffee shops, cafés, roasteries, and coffee equipment companies. I immersed myself in learning about coffee, exploring different flavour profiles, and hosting blind coffee tastings in my home with family and friends. At the same time, I prayed often, asking God when the time would come for me to start my coffee business.
I never imagined the answer would come during the height of the pandemic. One Tuesday morning, I received a phone call informing me that my position as an Equal Employment Opportunity Officer for the State of Maryland had been eliminated. By that afternoon, I had applied for my business tax ID and officially registered Sunday Morning Coffee with the State of Maryland.
My confidence didn’t come from having every answer. It came from believing in a dream I had carried for many years. Every rejection I experienced along the way strengthened my resolve rather than diminishing it. Those early days taught me that resilience is built long before you need it. Looking back, I realize every “no” was preparing me for the perseverance entrepreneurship would require.
What does a typical day look like for you?
No two days are exactly alike, but every morning begins the same way—with prayer, quiet reflection, motivational inspiration, and, of course, a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
If we have overnight guests, I’ll prepare a home-cooked breakfast before gathering with my team for a morning huddle to review the day’s priorities. From there, my day may include welcoming visitors for property tours, responding to guest inquiries, reviewing reservations, overseeing coffee orders and partnerships, following up on collaborations, reviewing cash flow, and ensuring every indoor and outdoor space reflects the warm, welcoming experience we want every guest to have.
Before the day ends, I’m already preparing for tomorrow.
Selling your home to restore a 200-year-old Maryland manor is a bold decision. Was there a particular moment when you realised this dream was worth the risk?
Yes. The very first time I walked onto the property.
The manor was abandoned, neglected, and in desperate need of restoration, but the moment I stepped onto the grounds, something deep within me quietly said, “This is it.”
That single moment removed every doubt I had. I knew I wasn’t simply purchasing a property—I was stepping into a vision I had been carrying for decades.
What first drew you to the manor itself, and how did you know it was the place where your vision could truly come to life?
The expansive wraparound porch captured my heart immediately, and the outbuildings across the property truly convinced me this was the place.
For over thirty years, I had dreamed of creating a destination where people could gather around exceptional coffee, enjoy boutique lodging, celebrate life’s special moments, and simply slow down together. The property gave me the opportunity to bring all of those ideas together in one place.
Looking back, I often say that as a little girl I could already see this place in my imagination—I just didn’t know where it would be.
Hospitality seems to be at the heart of everything you do. What does creating a welcoming space mean to you, and why do you think people are craving genuine connection more than ever?
For me, hospitality is much more than providing beautiful accommodations or serving a wonderful meal. It’s making people feel genuinely seen, valued, and cared for.
I want every guest to feel as though they’re arriving at the home of someone who has been expecting them. The details matter—the greeting, the conversation, the music, the aroma of fresh coffee, the beautifully set breakfast table—but what matters most is how people feel while they’re here.
I believe we’re living in a time where people have never been more connected digitally, yet many have never felt more disconnected personally. We’re constantly moving, scrolling, and multitasking. Sunday Morning at Savannah’s was intentionally created as a place where people can slow down, reconnect with themselves and one another, and enjoy meaningful conversation without feeling rushed.
Can you tell us about the restoration process? Were there any unexpected discoveries or challenges that shaped the finished space or perhaps changed how you had initially envisioned it?
The restoration was both inspiring and incredibly demanding.
Only forty-five days after taking over, we had committed to hosting a Mother’s Day brunch for family, friends, and stakeholders. I gathered my three adult children and asked them if they were willing to commit to making it happen. Together, we worked eighteen-hour days for forty-five consecutive days—and we did it.
Along the way, we uncovered challenge after challenge—from a leaking roof in our event building and outdated kitchen equipment to inadequate air-conditioning systems and grounds that had been overtaken by weeds.
Those discoveries forced us to completely rethink our priorities. Instead of focusing on decorative improvements first, we concentrated on creating a welcoming, comfortable environment that guests would immediately feel confident and excited to experience.
Sunday Morning at Savannah’s is presented as more than just a boutique inn and coffeehouse—it’s really a community hub. What kinds of experiences do you hope guests leave with after spending time there? Why was that your focus?
I hope every guest leaves feeling refreshed, encouraged, and genuinely connected—not only to the property, but to the people they shared it with.
Whether someone joins us for breakfast, a weekend stay, a wedding, a community gathering, or simply a cup of coffee on the porch, I want them to leave with memories that linger long after they’ve gone home. Some of my favorite moments are watching complete strangers begin talking over breakfast and leave feeling like friends.
That became my focus because I believe hospitality has the power to build community. Beautiful spaces matter, but it’s the conversations, relationships, and shared experiences that people remember most. If someone leaves feeling a little more hopeful, a little more rested, or a little more connected than when they arrived, then we’ve accomplished exactly what we set out to do.
Coffee has an incredible way of bringing people together. How has your love of coffee influenced the atmosphere and philosophy behind your business?
I’ve loved coffee since childhood—so much so that I used my allowance to pay for a monthly mail-order coffee subscription. But what fascinated me even more was what happened around a cup of coffee. It has an incredible ability to slow people down, open conversations, and create moments of connection.
Coffee became the heartbeat of everything we built because it naturally invites people to gather. Some of life’s biggest ideas, deepest conversations, and strongest friendships begin over a simple cup of coffee.
That philosophy influences every part of Sunday Morning at Savannah’s. We aren’t simply serving beverages—we’re creating moments for people to pause, connect, and experience hospitality in its simplest and most authentic form.
As someone who has successfully reinvented your career, what advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs who have a dream but are afraid to take the first step?
My first piece of advice is to find ways to incorporate your dream into whatever you’re doing today.
Throughout my career, I looked for opportunities to practice the work I hoped to one day do full-time. Even while serving as an Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, I organized multicultural fairs where employees representing countries from Sri Lanka and The Gambia to Switzerland and Australia shared their food, customs, music, and traditions. Looking back, I realize I was already creating experiences that brought people together.
My second piece of advice is to become comfortable with fear. Fear rarely disappears—you simply learn to move forward despite it.
Looking back, what has been the most rewarding moment since opening your doors?
Without question, it was hearing my grandchildren tell me about a day at school.
They had proudly told their teacher about me and Sunday Morning at Savannah’s, but she was skeptical until she searched for us online on a widescreen TV in front of the entire class. As the photos appeared on the screen, my grandchildren began explaining our coffee blends, describing each guest room, and talking about the experiences we create.
Watching them speak with such pride was one of the most meaningful moments of my life. I hadn’t realized how closely they had been watching me, how much they valued what I was building, or how proud they were of the person I had become. That day continues to move me beyond tears.
Where would you recommend visitors eat and drink in New Windsor while they’re in town?
One of the things I love most about New Windsor is how supportive the local business community is. We love collaborating with and recommending places like Collision Course, RockSalt Grille, Bud’s at Silver Run, Maryland Mallet, Cork & Wine Pub, and Old Westminster Winery. Each offers its own unique experience while reflecting the warm, welcoming spirit of our community.
What’s next for Sunday Morning at Savannah’s? Are there any exciting plans, collaborations or future projects that you can share?
Our long-term vision is to thoughtfully expand the Sunday Morning at Savannah’s experience into additional locations while preserving the warmth and authenticity that make each property feel personal.
Closer to home, we’re excited about collaborating with fellow boutique bed and breakfast owners throughout our region to strengthen our local hospitality community. Rather than competing, we’re working together to help establish this area as a sought-after destination where visitors can experience exceptional accommodations, outstanding food and drink, genuine small-town hospitality, stunning sunsets, and beautiful countryside landscapes.
As we grow, our goal is to ensure every new location feels just as personal and welcoming as the original, giving guests the same sense of connection and belonging they’ve come to expect.
