Last month, Midwesterners Lisa Etter and Hayden Smith started a new adventure in Greenwood: their own nonprofit coffeehouse called the Green Bean Coffee House.
"What has happened to our neighborhood since this [café] started has been completely infectious," said customer Georgia England, a Greenwood resident.
A brand-new experience
Etter and Smith were inspired to open a nonprofit coffee shop after living in a low-income part of Chicago. At the time, Etter worked in a homeless shelter and Smith taught at an elementary school. The two women planned to open a shop in Montana or Utah, until they encountered Randy Rowland.
A pastor for the sanctuary that meets at Greenwood's Taproot Theatre, Rowland had already raised funds for such a coffeehouse in Seattle. He found a location for the shop next door to Taproot Theatre, where Bomber's Tavern used to be, at 210 N. 85th St.
Then, Etter and Smith designed and remodeled the space, complete with a mural by Etter's friend Nate, the Wilderness Program director for The Salvation Army.
"A lot of love went into this place," Etter said.
Neither Etter nor Smith had ever been to Seattle before."Seattle crept out of nowhere, and it was the perfect place," Etter said.
The friends both found it intimidating to start a café in such a coffee town as Seattle.
"We had to do a lot of research and drink a lot of lattes," Smith said.
Learning as they went, the two found themselves surrounded by people who were willing to help.
"I don't think I've seen anyone come in who hasn't smiled.... Well maybe two [people]," Smith said. "Seattle is amazing."
Starting a coffee shop is a new experience for Etter and Smith, both 25 years old."Everyone said we were too young to do it, but we knew [we could]," Etter said.
In college, Etter studied recreational therapy and Smith studied elementary education.
"So, naturally, we should open a coffeehouse," Etter kidded.
Cause for support
The café supports a variety of causes, including Amani Ya Juu, a training project in sewing and marketing for African women who have been affected by wars and ethnic conflicts.
The project gives African women an opportunity to improve their sewing and marketing skills so they can provide for the needs of their families. The Green Bean sells some Amani Ya Juu handbags and Masai bracelets through the program.
The café also sells artwork from Zimbabwe that goes to support the Weya tribe.
The tips in the standard tip jar near the register are donated to the charity of the month. Etter and Smith are open to suggestions regarding particular charities.
This month, tips will help support the cost of diabetes strips for low-income patients at the Greenwood Medical Clinic. The café made $500 for the cause in two weeks.
"When coffee beans arrive from their country of origin, they are jade green in color. As they are roasted, a transformation occurs, which brings them to their full, tasty potential and aroma," the nonprofit's website states. "Just like the green bean itself, the Green Bean Coffee House will exist in order to promote positive transformation in life of the Greenwood neighborhood and then globally by supporting people, groups from parts of the world less fortunate than ours."
Community events
The Green Bean hosts a variety of events for the community including Storytime every Tuesday at 10 a.m. for children of all ages; an open mic for singer-songwriters, poets and storytellers on Wednesdays, from 8 to 10 p.m.; and live music on Fridays, from 8 to 10 p.m.
"We really want this to be considered a community center for Greenwood.... There's been so much diversity," Etter said. "It's been such a gift for all of the people who want to be involved."
Art is also displayed in the café, with a monthly rotation.
In May, the Green Bean's first month of business, art created by youths at the Greenwood Boys & Girls Club was exhibited. The café raised $725 in tips for the Boys & Girls Club that month.
"It was just so encouraging to see people want to give," Etter said.
The Green Bean is now featuring artwork by women from Mary's Place, a local shelter. England, a customer, organized the exhibit. The art will be on display at the cafe throughout July.
"There's so many [other] things we want to do in the future, of course," Etter said.
They hope to eventually organize summer backpacking trips for low-income youths and provide jobs for those in need.
"I don't think I've ever gotten overwhelmed," Smith said, confidently. "It's all been easy."
"It's just been too easy," Etter agreed. "We don't stress details."
The Green Bean Coffee House is open Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Mondays and Tuesdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Wednesdays through Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The Green Bean's organic roaster is Neil Brown, of Shoreline's Brown and Co. The café also offers daily homemade pastries and a light lunch menu with soups and quiches.
For more information, call 706-4587 or visit www.greenbeancoffee.org.
[[In-content Ad]]
