November 30, 2007
This Saturday, Q Cafe is celebrating its 5 year anniversary. Please join us if you’re able from 6-8pm for some random entertainment, great coffee, and free dessert.
In our first year as a churchplant, we decided to do what no sensible group of people would do: embark on a building project and birthing another organization. We raised funds to help start a non-profit and non-religious cafe in our hopes of blessing our neighborhood and our city.
When we opened our doors in November 2002, we weren’t quite sure what to expect. We asked ourselves these questions:
Is it possible to serve organic coffee and tea and demonstrate care for our environment?
Is it possible to create a unique venue where not only would people enjoy incredible coffee but be connected to the larger community?
Is it possible to create a space where local artists and musicians would have a platform to share their unique talents?
Is it possible to create a venue where children, parents, college students, local businesspeople, the homeless, and senior citizens can all come to enjoy a neighborhood cafe?
Is is possible to develop a replicating model where profits would go towards supporting classes, providing resources for the homeless, programs for children, and rental space for neighbors and local non-profits?
Well, the answer hasn’t been very easy but nevertheless, it’s been an amazing journey. We’ve had our share of stories: horrible bands, mean customers, tip jars robbed, shit smeared on the walls, someone pee’ing in the corner of the cafe, rude dudes constantly hitting on our female baristas, and I can go on and on. But we’ve also had some amazing things take place: hosting Chris Thile and Nickelcreek and Chris Tomlin, giving away 10% of profits to outside causes, hosting meaningful films like Invisible Children, supporting local artists and musicians like Shawn McDonald and Smoosh that have emerged, the monthly homeless partnership with To the Streets, and friendships with our neighbors.
It’s been good but also very tough. Recently, we’ve had to wrestle with our vision and future. The questions listed above are the questions we’ll continue to wrestle through for the next five years.
Thanks to all the volunteers, baristas, and staff that have given so much in the past five years!
Below is a short but old video clip that gives a glimpse of what we’ve attempted to embody through this presence called Q Cafe.
