Embers Coffee Co. promises great coffee and social impact – The News Herald

Get ready for a different type of cafe.

Embers Coffee Co. will open in Southgate in early 2025, a coffee shop with a mission that goes far beyond serving exceptional coffee. Located in Southgate Shopping Centre, Embers Coffee Co. is a non-profit enterprise whose goal is to develop community relations and at the same time support local initiatives.

Founded by Eric Croft and his team as part of the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Embers Coffee Co., the 4,500-square-foot space will be designed to be more than just a café. With children’s areas, a meeting room and even a video podcast studio, Ambers aims to become a community hub.

“We are a community-focused company that will use our location and platform to advance our community – economically, socially and beyond,” Croft said. “Embers will be a place where relationships develop and creativity flourishes.”

And this is where the name comes in.

“We wanted it to be something visual. The coals start small and the fire grows as the wood heats up. We see our community involvement starting small and growing as the project is developed and implemented,” he said.

What sets Embers apart is its commitment to giving back. Five percent of all net profits will be donated to local non-profit organizations and community initiatives. While the list of specific organizations is still being finalized, Croft emphasizes that the focus will be on supporting effective work in Southgate and surrounding Downriver communities.

“This is a community effort,” Croft said. “We want to support causes that are doing amazing things for the people around us. Community members and partners will have a say in how we give back.”

Embers Coffee Co. designed with inclusivity and accessibility in mind. Features will include:

• Dedicated play area for children: Parents can relax over a cup of coffee while watching their children via CCTV or from nearby seats.

• Community Meeting Room: This space is ideal for local businesses, clubs and groups to meet in a professional setting.

• Video podcast studio. The studio, equipped with high-quality equipment, will allow community members to create content for a nominal fee, fostering creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit.

“We have a big heart for creative endeavors,” Croft said. “Part of this is supporting young people to challenge their creativity. YouTube channels are popular among young people, but video production is expensive. We will have a space where they can create without breaking the bank.”

Embers Coffee Co concept born out of a deep love for Downriver and its people.

“We wanted to create a space where people gather. We saw a need for a place to build relationships,” Croft said. “With the rise of remote work, people don’t always have the opportunity to meet other people. We wanted to create a space where you can make friends, socialize, do business, talk politics and just relax. Embers is that place.

To fund the final stages of construction, Ambers launched a Kickstarter campaign, raising US$3,733 towards a US$50,000 goal. Even though the campaign failed, the team remains optimistic, relying on community support and creativity to see the project through to completion.

Upcoming Events

To give you an idea of ​​what’s in store, Embers Coffee Co. will be serving coffee and hot chocolate at the Southgate Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 6th and Santa’s Christmas Express on December 7th. These events will provide an opportunity to meet the Embers team and learn more. about your mission.

How to participate

As the store prepares to open, community members can still contribute in several ways, from purchasing branded merchandise on their website to direct donations or volunteering.

“We want Embers to be about the community and for the community. It’s not just about opening a coffee shop; it’s about creating something beautiful and lasting for Southgate,” he said. “Our team is made up of people who love the downstream. It all starts here and stays here.”

Follow the development of Embers Coffee Co. on their website www.emberscoffee.co and on Instagram @emberscoffeeco.