Specialty coffee comes to Hilton Head

If you’ve ever been to Origin Coffee Bar in Savannah, you know about the delicious coffee that has Islanders traveling an hour each way to get a fix. But those long drives will be behind us soon. Origin is set to open its second location this spring right here in Hilton Head.

Over the past year, the team at Origin was approached several times about opportunities for new branches, but the owners Matt and Elise Higgins never felt the fit was quite right. When they were presented with the idea to move into the J. Banks building on 35 N. Main, they saw the potential. When the met with the team, they learned that some of the staff had been driving from Hilton Head to Savannah during their lunch break just to get coffee. The space and community feels like the opportunity the cafe has been holding out for.

Higgins says their needs were met with build out, timeline, and budget, but most importantly, the smaller location allows them to balance work with raising their 10-month-old, Selah. Origin plans to adapt the new location so it’s “authentically Hilton Head and authentically Origin.” Luckily, Matt and Elise know something about adapting.

In 2020, they received job offers in California and, while they were visiting the area, Elise realized it wasn’t where they belonged. She instead proposed that they move to Savannah, where the two graduated from SCAD, and start a mobile coffee business.

Higgins says, “in 2020, the world shut down, but it opened an opportunity for us.”

The couple sold everything, moved to Savannah, and, by July, started delivering coffee to doorsteps. Within three months, they secured a pop-up location where they stayed for 1.5 years. Then, in 2023, with the community helping to raise $30k in 30 days, they opened their first cafe on MLK Blvd.

“It’s an exciting journey,’ Higgins says. ‘From the beginning we’ve wanted to do this for others, to create a community. We want to provide a light in the darkness.”

The brand is determined to craft the highest quality of coffee and food, perfecting their brioche and sourdough and homing in their roasting technique. But the owners believe people keep coming back because of the experience.

Higgins explains, “not only are we trying to deliver a product excellent in quality but also in intention. We’re crafting an experience.”

Origin remains dedicated to growth and community as they plan out their new location. They’re currently working on expanding their roastery and wholesale offerings and offer barista classes at their Savannah location. The brand also continues to advance the ways they give back through shelters and local kitchens.

Follow their journey on Instagram and Facebook at origincoffee.bar.