Magic mugs are a popular product that has gained popularity in recent years. These mugs, also known as heat-changing mugs or color-changing mugs, are designed to change color or reveal a hidden image when hot liquid is poured into them. The concept behind these mugs is simple yet intriguing. The mugs are made with a special type of coating that is sensitive to temperature. When the mug is cool or at room temperature, it appears plain or black. However, when hot liquid is added, the coating reacts to the heat and changes color, revealing a design or image underneath.
However, when hot liquid is added, the coating reacts to the heat and changes color, revealing a design or image underneath. Magic mugs come in a variety of designs and themes, making them a fun and personalized gift option. They can feature popular characters, quotes, or even custom designs.
New owners bring their own magic to Magic Mugs
Chloe Hanenkrat and Derek Morgan plan to keep the best of Magic Mugs while adding new specialty items and creating a space to relax and enjoy live music.
When Lee and Shelly Beitzel opened Magic Mugs in downtown Dover just three years ago, they couldn’t have realized they would face so many unexpected challenges, not least of which was a global pandemic.
The coffee shop was successful nonetheless and has now been passed to a new pair of owners, Chloe Hanenkrat and Derek Morgan. They bring plenty of experience to their new business, and Magic Mugs has continued the steady traffic that has been the norm since the beginning.
“We started Oct. 1 with a sort of soft opening, then opened fully the following Monday,” Hanenkrat said. “Lee and Shelly really set us up for infinite success. They made sure things were fully stocked. They made sure their regular customers knew about the transition and were excited, so it was really seamless.”
“We’ve both worked in coffee shops for years,” Morgan said. “I have to say there have been no real surprises. It’s gone very smoothly.”
The couple met three years ago and have lived in several cities since.
“Having a coffee shop has been the plan since the beginning after we met,” Hanenkrat said. “I worked here when Magic Mugs first opened 3 1/2 years ago, and when Lee posted that the business was for sale, my mom sent us a message and asked if we would like to move back home if they helped us buy the coffee shop, and we were excited about that right away. I really didn’t want to see it go to a new owner who would get rid of the magic of the place.”
The pair have been planning to bring their own magic to Magic Mugs, with lots of plans for additions and expansions. “We are in brainstorming and training mode of course, but we plan to add a lot more food to the menu and bring some live performers in,” Hanenkrat said.
“Yes, we’ll definitely want to add music. That is one of my own main focuses is to bring live music to Magic Mugs, and that can be shows with touring bands and local musicians,” Morgan said, “but also do live sessions which would go to a YouTube channel. We definitely want to be a place for artists to come.”
“We love the specialty drinks that have been here all along, and we are keeping those,” Hanenkrat said, “and we are also starting to work on our own specialty offerings. We want to add a panini menu, and we’re looking into getting a license so we can have special events with beer and wine a couple times a month. We want to create a brunch menu and add that. We both served as bartenders for brunch offerings so that’s something we’re excited about doing. We’re starting slow with soups and sandwiches, but we have capacity to add more.”
“We’ll start small and build from there. We’re here to stay and want to get things running to their full potential,” Morgan said.
The couple met in Akron when Morgan was playing with a band there while living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hanenkrat is a Dover native while Morgan grew up in the Toledo area. Finding each other on social media after a brief introduction, they began dating.
“I asked after the concert if there was anything I could help carry. He answered, ‘Well, you can carry me.’ So I did, all the way up the stairs. Of course, he had to come right back down to get the equipment and carry it himself,” Hanenkrat said.
Meanwhile, the interior space at Magic Mugs is getting a little tweaking. “We spotted a couple of couches, one of which we are having reupholstered. It’s straight out of the ‘60s,” Hanenkrat said. “We want to add more comfy seating and have a bookshelf in one corner. We definitely want it to be a place where you want to come and hang out and relax a little.”
Magic Mugs is at 237 W. Third St. in Dover and on Facebook.
“Having a coffee shop has been the plan since the beginning after we met,” Hanenkrat said. “I worked here when Magic Mugs first opened 3 1/2 years ago, and when Lee posted that the business was for sale, my mom sent us a message and asked if we would like to move back home if they helped us buy the coffee shop, and we were excited about that right away. I really didn’t want to see it go to a new owner who would get rid of the magic of the place.”
The hidden image or design is often a surprise, creating an element of excitement and wonder for the person using the mug. In addition to being a novelty item, magic mugs also have practical uses. The color-changing effect can indicate the temperature of the liquid inside, serving as a visual warning for hot beverages. This can be especially helpful in preventing scalding accidents, particularly with young children. Furthermore, magic mugs are not limited to just hot beverages. They can also be used with cold liquids, although the color-changing effect may not be as dramatic. This versatility allows for year-round use and enjoyment. Overall, magic mugs have become a popular and trending item due to their unique and captivating nature. Whether used as a personalized gift or a practical drinking vessel, these mugs offer an enchanting and interactive experience for users..
Reviews for "Sip in Style with Magic Mugs Dover"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I was very disappointed with my experience at Magic Mugs Dover. The service was slow and the staff seemed disorganized. The atmosphere was also not very inviting, with outdated decor and uncomfortable seating. Additionally, the prices were quite high for the quality of the food and drinks. Overall, I would not recommend this place and will not be returning.
2. Mike - 1 star - I had heard good things about Magic Mugs Dover, but my visit was far from magical. The coffee I ordered was lukewarm and tasted burnt. The pastries on display looked stale and unappetizing. The staff also seemed indifferent and uninterested in providing good customer service. It was a disappointing experience and I won't be giving this place a second chance.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for Magic Mugs Dover, but my visit left much to be desired. The coffee was average at best, and the presentation of the drinks was sloppy. The staff seemed inexperienced and struggled to keep up with the orders. The overall vibe of the place was also a letdown, with generic music playing loudly in the background. For the price, I expected a much better experience. I won't be returning.