There’s a new Westport Little League MVP in town.
But he does not swing a bat.
Cooper Shapiro is a 4th grader at Long Lots Elementary School.
He’s also the founder of Coop’s Canteen. The pop-up snack stand is quickly becoming a fan favorite among hungry players, parents and siblings.
What started as a simple question —what happened to the snack stand? —turned into a full-fledged business idea.
With the old concession building sitting idle, Cooper saw an opportunity.
He stepped right up to the plate.
This is not, however, your average kid’s lemonade stand. Cooper brought in a very modern business partner: AI.
He used ChatGPT to work through pricing strategy, build a simple inventory tracker, and design an eye-catching logo.
Cooper Shapiro with his sign …
Of course, there’s a Venmo QR code for easy payment.
Yet the setup is more “Leave it to Beaver” than 21st century: a folding table, a lineup of snacks, and a young entrepreneur ready to serve.
The vibe is equal parts baseball, business and community.
You can usually find Coop’s Canteen on Saturdays at the Town Farm fields — somewhere between Kowalsky and White — or at Coleytown Elementary.
(It depends on where his younger brother Asher is playing.)
… and at his table, with his younger brother Asher.
Parents appreciate the convenience. Kids love the independence.
Cooper, meanwhile, is always thinking about his next restock.
What makes Coop’s Canteen special is more than the snacks. It’s the spirit behind it.
Cooper saw a problem. Then he figured out how to fix it.
He smashed this one out of the park.
(Young Westporters are doing remarkable things — and “06880” is your place to discover them. If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Great job, Coop! Please remind your clients to dispose of trash in the many receptacles nearby. I walk my pup through the park and see lots of empty water bottles on the ground. Thanks!
DW – Your profiles of Westport’s youth may be the best part of ‘06880’. None is more exciting and entrepreneurial than Coop. 4th grader!? … remarkable