Tucked almost to the corner of 7th Street and Main, the Cupbearer Cafe is a rustic, airy coffeehouse that reminded me of a North Carolina coastal coffeehouse I visited a few months ago, Java Port. I talked with owner Andrew Foster while sipping an excellent cup of my favorite, plain ol' hot coffee; specialty hot and cold coffee drinks are offered as well as teas, freezes and sodas and familiar bottled varieties. The Cupbearer highlights its Free Trade Coffees. Homemade muffins, cookies and scones beckon for breakfast, but visiting later in the day, I had a turkey and swiss combo on a croissant that was scrumptious and fresh, made while I waited. Ham, roast beef and chicken salad are available also, and filling out a tasty lunch, one can purchase chips, popcorn or a granola bar. A gourmet sandwich at the Cupbearer is $5 but the Lunch Combo (sandwich, chips and 12 oz soda) is only $6 - a great deal! A fun aside; Mondays - Thursdays plus Saturdays, a different drink special is offered with $ off on highlighted beverages.
The Cupbearer Cafe is a Christian non-profit, with all proceeds devoted to supporting community and outreach efforts. Andrew Foster, (owner), directs Inspiration Ministries which coordinates Prison Ministry specifically while offering encouragement to the Church and local the Christian community, as well as presenting opportunities for volunteer service. Carla Boggs, Life Coach, offers personal coaching for women, youth and groups. The Cupbearer provides space for small groups to meet, Bible studies, prayer groups, etc. Programs are offered for men and women who have experienced being incarcerated.
On Friday evenings as well as most Saturday evenings, the Cupbearer presents a wide variety of live Christian music including folk, Southern Gospel, and Contemporary, as well as local church worship teams and vocal groups and open mic night.
When I visited, quiet instrumental music was playing in the background and a number of regular customers came and went in a steady stream. Service was prompt and friendly, and Andrew or counter server, Jaimie Kessler, warmly greeted and talked with the customers. However, one cannot talk to Andrew for long without learning that his true passion is Prison Ministry. Inspiration Ministries publishes a monthly newsletter comprised of essays and testimonies written primarily by Christian inmates in over 25 federal prisons. (These newsletters are scattered on tables throughout the coffeehouse for customers to read or take and pass along.) Though these inmates are men and women serving sentences for previous crimes committed, they are determined to now live lives pleasing to God and to encourage their fellow inmates to know Him. I like the idea of a coffeehouse that offers great food and drink, as well as a place of comfortable ambience to enjoy them in, and on top of that, the money I spend there goes to help others. It's a "win-win" all the way. Space prohibits from telling Andrew's fascinating story which also involves previous Cupbearer owners Denny and Chery Myers; stop in sometime from 6am to 8pm Monday - Saturday, and have a cup of coffee with him; it will be time well spent! read more
