More than 200 visitors visited the Grounded in Grace coffee house’s kick-off event at its new location, the First Presbyterian Church in Jonesville Saturday.
Amazing Grace played in the background while 24 local vendors and crafters shared information and sold artisan goods, and community members chatted over fresh coffee, hot chocolate, crepes, and soup.
“We have been swamped. We served more than 120 crepes — and that’s a lot for us,” volunteer Kathi Boyle said. “We have been non-stop turning out crepes, and we’re out of half our soup. It’s been a wonderful day — a huge success. I am so delighted.”
Grounded in Grace coffee house has served flavored coffees, teas, and hot chocolate to visitors free of charge since it opened in June 2013. Visitors can opt to donate money for their coffee and food, which is donated to local charities.
Hillsdale resident Marla Bowen said she likes to visit the coffee house because it’s a quiet place to talk to a friend or grade papers.
“I think it’s a really neat idea, and I think there’s just a fun group of people here,” Bowen said. “I prefer the environment here because it’s lighter. I don’t really go to other coffee shops, but I can justify donating a dollar to get a coffee or crepe sometimes.”
Hillsdale College alumna Sumer Wells ‘06, attended Saturday’s event as a vendor selling Norwex cleaning products. She said she was impressed by the atmosphere and charitable donations the volunteers can make to local organizations.
“It’s genius — a great idea,” Wells said. “I learned about their charity work, the food was delicious, and the people have been really nice. It’s been a great day with a lot of fun conversations, and I’ve been way busier than anticipated.”
The shop serves coffee 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. Crepes and coffee are served 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. Volunteers say they will consider expanding hours to include evenings and weekends depending on the community’s interest.
“We weren’t exactly sure what was going to happen when we moved next door but it’s been wonderful,” Boyle said. “Our hours will extend as demand grows. It’s still just an outreach for our church. We just want to serve the community and are so overjoyed to see people here.”
