Anchors and aprons: Tom and Christiane Leggett take the helm at Summerville coffee shop
Every married couple has at least one story they remember completely differently. For Tom Leggett and his wife Christiane, it’s the moment he came home and said, “Hey honey, I got this great idea.” In his version, she was supportive right away — “You’ve done great so far, let’s do it.” In her version, she was questioning his sanity: “Is this man out of his mind?”
After more than twenty years in the Coast Guard, Tom wanted something of his own. He talks about autonomy, purpose, mastery — the drive to be your own boss and be the best at whatever you take on. His original idea was a coffee roasting business, a natural extension of years in the Coast Guard, where overnight watches and early mornings meant coffee wasn’t a preference, it was infrastructure. He’d been a commercial fisherman before that, another life that runs on caffeine and early alarms. He talked to a restaurant broker about the roasting idea, who said he’d keep an eye out. Then the broker called back — not about a roaster, but about a coffee shop 45 minutes from Tom’s house. Tom drove up the next morning, ordered a sandwich and a coffee, and just sat there watching. The staff was quick. The vibe was welcoming. “This is perfect,” he thought. “I have to do this.” That coffee shop was The Rustic Muffin, a Summerville fixture since 2018 — now under the new ownership of Tom and Christiane.
Tom grew up in the countryside of Gloucester County, Virginia. He was homeschooled around seventh grade, graduated early, and was already working on commercial fishing boats and charters as a teenager. He’d watch Coast Guard boats cruise by and think that could be him. He joined in November 2001 – a decision that was already forming but 9/11 gave the extra push. He first reported to Charleston in 2012. Christiane grew up in Asheville, went to nursing school in the mountains of North Carolina, and ended up in Charleston on a travel nursing assignment. They met on a blind date, married in late 2013, and kept coming back. Tom was stationed here three more times over the years, and now, with four kids ages 16, 15, 10, and 8, Charleston is their home.
Tom and Christiane want to expand the flavor profile of The Rustic Muffin while adding a Charleston touch. The plan includes weekly muffin specials, more gluten-free options, and lighter choices like egg whites and grilled chicken. New monthly special drinks are also coming. They want to pull from all over, including a pork roll egg and cheese, a Jersey favorite. The goal is to put out the best product they can.
Tom is still serving in the Coast Guard, but he’s at the shop every morning to open at 4 AM. Then it’s off to the base in North Charleston, and back again to close. Retirement comes in October, which means more time at the coffee shop. The leadership principles he picked up over two decades of service still guide him: The mark of a great shiphandler is never getting into situations that require great shiphandling. Eisenhower’s line that plans are useless but planning is essential. And a favorite from retired Navy Admiral Grace Hopper — the most dangerous phrase in the English language is “that’s the way we’ve always done it.” Christiane runs marketing and is learning the register and the coffee side of things. After years of holding things together through long deployments and solo parenting four kids, she lives by one motto: “one thing at a time.” What she wants for anyone who walks into The Rustic Muffin is simple: to feel welcome and like they’re at home.
When they’re not at the shop, you can find the Leggetts at Agave for Mexican, Locals, where everyone in the family is happy, and Whit’s Custard for dessert. The kids often lobby for Chick-fil-A. As for their own menu, Christiane swears by the jalapeño bagel with pimento cheese. The muffins, of course, go without saying.
The existing team, which has been far beyond what Tom had hoped for, is still there. The previous owners, Jenn and Grant, are around to help. But The Rustic Muffin is beginning its next chapter.