JACKSON TWP. − David and Megan Hurley are bringing a new vision to a familiar local coffee shop after taking ownership of the former Pioneer Coffee, and reopening as RHOW Coffee.
The specialty coffee shop, which offers drive-thru service and indoor seating, features handcrafted coffee beverages, seasonal drink specials and light food offerings in a newly redesigned space. After acquiring the business at the end of 2025, the Hurleys spent January rebranding, refurnishing and restocking the shop before reopening under the RHOW Coffee name.
Located at 7924 Hills and Dales Road NW in Jackson Township, RHOW Coffee reflects the Hurleys’ vision to create a community gathering place centered on exceptional coffee, hospitality and meaningful connection. Through a complete rebrand, the couple hopes customers will feel encouraged to slow down, linger and enjoy the moment.
Building RHOW Coffee
While David brought his coffee experience to the venture, Megan drew on her background in marketing, fashion and design to help shape the shop’s brand and atmosphere.
“Megan envisioned a space that was elevated and modern, yet comfortable,” David said.
The transition happened quickly.
“Megan and I essentially created a whole new business in a short time,” he said. “We had to close the shop for the month of January while we built the vision and foundations for the business, rebranded, refurnished and restocked the shop in that short amount of time.”
The process came with challenges, but the couple said being able to retain existing equipment helped ease the transition.
“We pushed marketing and tried to create some buzz while we got off the ground,” David said. “It was a lot of hard work; however, we were able to keep all the equipment at the shop, which was a huge blessing and helped smooth the transition.”
A long road back to coffee
For David, coffee shop ownership has been years in the making.
In 2020, he attended Texas Coffee School with plans to open his own business. He had already begun developing shop designs and building relationships with suppliers when the COVID-19 pandemic put those plans on hold.
“The uncertainty at the time unfortunately caused us to shelve the whole plan,” he said.
David eventually launched a lighting and handyman business, but the desire to work in coffee never completely disappeared.
In 2024, when work slowed seasonally, he took a part-time position with Pioneer Coffee Roasters.
“I thought it would scratch the coffee itch that I still had,” he said.
Instead, the opportunity reignited his passion for the industry. David quickly moved into management, overseeing Pioneer Coffee’s Jackson Township location before becoming general manager both there and the Dalton shop.
During his time there, he immersed himself in the craft and business of coffee.
“I learned a great deal from owner Andrew Keim, not only about coffee and the science behind it, but also about how to operate a shop day to day,” he said. “I loved the art behind coffee and interacting with the community each day.”
When the opportunity arose to purchase the Jackson Township location, Hurley took the leap.
“I truly believe it was meant to be,” David said. “After 2020, I thought I would never get the chance to own my own shop again.”
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name RHOW stands for “Rise Humbly Over Worry,” a philosophy the Hurleys strive to apply in their own lives and hoped to share with the community through their business.
“The idea is that we can rise above our daily problems, control what we can control and release the rest, knowing and trusting in God,” David said.
The shop’s swan logo also carries personal significance. Megan has long viewed the swan as a spirit animal, tracing the connection back to childhood visits to Chestnut Hill Memorial Park in Akron, where she often watched pairs of black and white swans on a pond.
The bird’s grace, strength and calm presence ultimately inspired the branding and reflects the atmosphere the couple hopes to create through RHOW Coffee.
Coffee, creativity and community
The Hurleys describe themselves as creatives who enjoy experimenting with unique flavor combinations and seasonal offerings.
“We are a specialty coffee shop who is passionate about coffee, customer service and everything else around it,” David said. “We are creatives at heart and love experimenting with new flavors and different pairings that you can’t find anywhere else.”
Along with traditional espresso beverages and customer-favorite iced drinks, RHOW Coffee offers a distinctive tableside brewing experience using the Belgian Syphon method, a process that showcases both the science and artistry behind coffee preparation.
The menu also includes sweet treats such as coffee cake and muffins, as well as savory items including avocado toast served on sourdough bread with sliced eggs. Customers can also enjoy some quiet time with a featured book of the month while relaxing in the café.
For the Hurleys, the goal is to create a space where people feel comfortable staying awhile.
“So much life happens over a cup of coffee,” David said. “We want to create a space where you can gather your thoughts and linger.”
Bev Shaffer, Food & Drink reporter for The Canton Repository, can be reached at bshaffer@usatodayco.com or 330-580-8318.
If you go
What: RHOW Coffee
Where: 7924 Hills and Dales Road NW in Jackson Township
When: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday
Phone: 330-737-1781
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Fresh brewed coffee dream. RHOW’s new owners serious about their blend
Reporting by Bev Shaffer, Canton Repository / The Repository
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By Bev Shaffer, Canton Repository | USA TODAY Network
