Briana Pace | Southern Indiana Business Report
Once Upon a Bean was filled with the chatter of family, friends and community members, all packed into the building, ready to celebrate its grand reopening under the new owner: Cindy Bell.
Bell took over the coffee shop July 31 and on August 1, she opened the doors to her new business.
“I have to say that I did shed a few tears because, I don’t even know if it’s really hit yet, maybe after today,” Bell said, “but it was like ‘Is this really happening? Is this really happening?’”
Under Bell’s management, Once Upon a Bean sells coffee, energy drinks, in-house brewed tea and bakery items from Magic Morning Bakery in Bedford. Bell also makes her own candles that are available for purchase in the store.
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A prize basket from the ribbon cutting event sits in Once Upon a Bean on Aug. 20, 2026, in Orleans, Indiana. Customers could place their name in a raffle for the chance to win. Photo by Briana Pace
She has implemented regular shop hours, hired part-time employees and tried to curate a cozy atmosphere since taking over. Bell emphasized the store’s dedication to consistency, hard work, new ideas and greeting everyone with a smile.
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Once Upon a Bean Owner Cindy Bell takes a customers order Aug. 20, 2026, at Once Upon a Bean in Orleans, Indiana. Nearly 35 people crowded into the store for the grand reopening. Photo by Briana Pace
For as long as she can remember, Bell has dreamed of owning her own business. When she started the process of taking over Once Upon in Bean in June, she was nervous. Starting a new career path at her age, 53, was a nerve-wracking thought, but she had a chance to make her dream come true. She couldn’t say no.
“I was like, “No, I’m going to go for it,’” Bell said.
Bell is also passionate about partnering with other local businesses. She has worked with Baked of Bloomington and other Orleans companies: HD Graphix to create banners and labels for the store, J & S Sportswear to make T-shirts, insurance through Springer-Springer.
“We are so happy to work with them,” Bell said. “I’m all about supporting the small town of Orleans.”
As she settles into her new business, Bell plans to continue expanding the store. She wants to create an expanded drink, breakfast and light lunch menu; have extended hours once a week with specials and sell local beef from Patterson Farms.
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Cups sit in Once Upon a Bean on Aug. 20, 2026, in Orleans, Indiana. HD Graphix in Orleans helped create the labels for the cups. Photo by Briana Pace
So far, Bell has created a new drink, The 1939, in honor of the old Orleans theater.
“Now days we’re all busy, like there’s so many distractions,” Bell said. “I like to bring some of the old stuff back.”
Orleans’s nostalgic ambience was always something Bell loved about the town and she hopes to embody it in Once Upon a Bean. She wants to channel the charm of a small town and hopes people will come in and share their stories of what the downtown square used to be like.
Overall, Bell strives for Once Upon a Bean to be a place where people can relax, laugh and catch up with old friends.
Photo Caption:
Once Upon a Bean is seen Aug. 20, 2026, in Orleans, Indiana. The store first opened in 2024. Photo by Briana Pace
“Just like what’s happening right now in this room,” Bell said.
Nearly 25 people crowded inside the building with at least 10 more outside, waiting for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Bell gave a speech, surrounded by her community, and then she cut the ribbon, officially celebrating the ownership of her very own business.
“Never give up on your dreams because they can come true,” she said. “We better get in there and make drinks.”