Two Founders, One Vision: The Moon Is Rising
Since opening its doors on February 20, 2023, The Moon Coffee & Tea House has quickly become a beloved staple in downtown Johnson City. With just seven tables and a capacity of 20 people, the current location is cozy, but the community’s love for this coffee shop has outgrown the space. Now, big things are brewing.
This fall, The Moon is moving just four doors down to a new, larger location that will triple their current capacity. That means more room for regulars, first-timers, and the kinds of events that bring a community together. The owners plan to have a stage where they can host concerts and similar events.
At the heart of The Moon are its founders: Brett Dial and Jared Sand. You’ll often find them behind the counter or conversing with customers. But Moon wasn’t just a recent idea, it’s been a dream over a decade in the making.
“We’re both from Johnson City, and we both went to ETSU, and we’re really excited to be a part of a town like this,” Sand said in a WJHL interview.
After graduating from ETSU in 2013, Sand spent a couple years in Seattle. When he returned home, he reconnected with Dial, and the two began talking seriously about their long-held dream of opening a coffee shop. That vision is now reality, and Johnson City couldn’t be happier.
“Downtown is definitely the place you want to be as far as shops go,” Sand added. “We’re excited to be a part of the art scene and the community here, as well as kind of adding our own little flavor to things.”
That flavor? It’s a mix of natural, thoughtfully sourced coffee, house-made syrups, and the kind of intentional service that keeps people coming back. With a 5-star rating from over 216 people, the love for The Moon is unmistakable.
This reviewer couldn’t have said it better:
“Everything about this place is perfect… whether it’s hot or iced, the drink you get here is like nowhere I’ve ever tried before! The owner is sweet and very personable and the staff he has chosen are all amazing baristas and even better people. I love visiting when in JC—there’s no place like it!”
Moon Coffee & Tea House is proof that some of the best ideas take time. Whether your dream is to launch a tech startup or open a coffee shop, life’s too short not to go for it. So just start. We’re excited to see how Moon continues to grow and inspire others to follow their passions right here in Johnson City Tennessee.
