Let's take care of each other

"At Groundworks Cafe, we believe in eating well, sharing generously, and looking out for one another. Generosity is at the heart of everything we do. We're committed to our communities by supporting charities that tackle hunger and food insecurity, giving grants to local non-profits, and dedicating our time to volunteering. Join us in making a difference, one delicious bite at a time!"

Fellowship First: Nurturing Community Through Food

At Groundworks Cafe, we believe genuine community transformation happens around the table. Our Fellowship First initiative creates intentional spaces where meaningful connections flourish naturally. Through our partnerships with Nutley Christian Academy, St. Mary's School, and Hope Community Church, we provide nutritious meals for after-school programs while teaching students about sustainable food practices.

Each quarter, we host "Fellowship Wednesdays" where 25% of all sales directly support local missionary work in underserved communities. Our innovative "Pay-It-Forward" wall allows customers to purchase meals for those in need, creating a continuous cycle of generosity. Since launching this program, we've provided over 500 meals to families experiencing food insecurity while creating a model of community care that extends beyond our walls.

Grounds for Growth: Empowering Future Leaders

Groundworks Cafe is revolutionizing how businesses invest in the next generation through our Grounds for Growth mentorship initiative. We've partnered with four local Christian schools and youth ministries to provide career training for underserved students, teaching valuable hospitality skills while instilling principles of service and excellence.

Each student completes a 12-week program culminating in a capstone project where they develop menu items that later become featured specials. A portion of proceeds from these student-created items funds scholarships for participants. Our holistic approach combines practical training with spiritual mentorship, creating pathways to meaningful employment while addressing root causes of economic insecurity in our community. This program has graduated 32 students to date, with 75% securing employment within three months.

Kingdom Coffee: From Cup to Community

Our most ambitious initiative transforms the entire coffee supply chain into a vehicle for global impact. Through direct relationships with Christian coffee farmers in Colombia, Ethiopia, and Guatemala, we ensure fair compensation while supporting sustainable farming practices that honor God's creation.

Locally, our "Kingdom Coffee" subscription program generates monthly recurring revenue that underwrites our growing network of micro-cafés in underserved communities. These satellite locations, staffed by program graduates, provide dignified employment while serving as community hubs where neighbors gather, relationships form, and ministry happens organically. Each location partners with a local church or non-profit, creating sustainable mission outposts disguised as exceptional cafés. Our vision to establish 30 locations nationwide begins with this model of multiplication that serves communities while sustaining ministry.

Each project reflects our belief that exceptional food and beverages can be vehicles for kingdom impact when delivered with intentionality and excellence. We're redefining success not by profit margins alone, but by lives transformed through authentic fellowship and strategic generosity.

GROUNDWORKS ENTREPRENEURS PROGRAM

Cultivating Purpose-Driven Business Leaders

Our 6-Month Mentorship Journey

At Groundworks Cafe, we believe in nurturing more than just exceptional food and beverages—we're investing in the next generation of community-minded entrepreneurs. Our Groundworks Entrepreneurs Program provides comprehensive business training for high school students, blending practical skills with values-based leadership principles.

Why Join Our Program?

Just as we carefully select ingredients for our signature crepes and craft each cup of coffee with intention, we've thoughtfully designed this program to develop your unique gifts. Through hands-on experience, professional mentorship, and real-world business challenges, you'll learn how sustainable business practices can create positive community impact.

What You'll Experience:

Month 1: Planting the Seed — Foundations of Purposeful Entrepreneurship
Month 2: Nurturing the Idea — Business Planning with Mission and Values
Month 3: Adding the Right Ingredients — Financial Stewardship Fundamentals
Month 4: Perfecting the Blend — Authentic Marketing and Brand Storytelling
Month 5: Mastering the Craft — Operational Excellence and Ethical Considerations
Month 6: Serving it Up — Presentation Skills and Launch Preparation

Program Benefits:

One-on-one mentoring with values-aligned business professionals
Exclusive internship opportunities at Groundworks Cafe
Potential seed funding for concepts that serve community needs
Networking with local business leaders and potential investors
Practical experience through Groundworks Cafe case studies

Ready to Grow Your Future?

Applications for our next cohort are now open with limited spaces available. Join us at Groundworks Cafe, where we're cultivating more than just great coffee—we're developing purposeful entrepreneurs who will create positive change in Nutley and beyond.

A portion of Groundworks Cafe proceeds supports this program as part of our commitment to community development.