‘Different kind of coffee shop’ opening in Cape Girardeau

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – A “different kind of coffee shop” is set to open in Cape Girardeau on July 29.

Managers at Grace Coffee + Cafe have been busy training employees before their grand opening.

The business employs people with special needs. They prepare and serve coffee, smoothies, sandwiches and paninis.

“Grace Coffee & Cafe is a non for profit that hires developmentally disabled folks to work here” said Blake Powell, manager of Grace Coffee + Café.

Powell says this small business is providing an opportunity for the “unemployable.”

“We provide employment for a group of individuals that wouldn’t normally have employment and wouldn’t be seen as employable by folks in the community,” said Powell.

The coffee shop will have specialty coffees and lattes, sandwiches, breakfast items, smoothies and more. Employee Christopher Mantz his most enjoyable item to prepare.

“I like to make the panini and the ciabatta,” said Mantz.

Another barista who works alongside Mantz is Kelsey Hoffman. She also enjoys her new job at the cafe.

“I love it,” said Hoffman. “I love working here.”

The coffee shop is owned by Susan Stone and Sam Dune who run several other businesses that service special needs individuals by providing services to the community.

It is located at 1865 Broadway Ave. in Cape Girardeau.

The shop is set to open in two weeks on Saturday, July 29 with a block party from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.