The Grounds for Hope Cafe is part of Trinity Lutheran Church's newest campus on Maple Avenue. Husband and wife Bill and Laurie Haney manage the cafe portion, while Dan Grissom oversees the ministry operations.
The cafe area seats up to 75 patrons, with couch seating for casual groups and small bistro tables for a quick lunch or cup of coffee. In addition to several beverages, the cafe offers a selection of baked goods, including cinnoman rolls, muffins, oatmeal, scones and breakfast rounds (breakfast bar cookies). Lunch options include two daily soups and a selection of paninis. According to Laurie Haney, they will be adding breakfast sandwiches in coming weeks.
The entry area also includes a welcome desk and indoor play area. Wifi is free to patrons.
Employees are a combination of paid staff and volunteers. The cafe participates in Coffee Kids, which funds the education of children of coffee growers. Proceeds fund global outreach programs--and possibly local, depending on customers' interests, said Grissom. The cafe hopes to donate $50,000 to relief efforts in 2011.