Three Stories Coffee is the newest faith-based enterprise connected to 716 Ministries. 716 Ministries focuses on equipping churches to address the immediate and urgent needs of folk in their communities, and their coffee focused branch is no exception. The coffee shops (there are currently 2 brick and mortar locations) act as a way to bring jobs and stability to their respective communities. To quote one of directors, “We don’t hire people to sell coffee, we sell coffee to hire people.”
Not only is the enterprise intentionally built to benefit the community through job availability, but 100% of the revenue is reinvested into this program, assuring its longevity in the community. This model of “intentional economics” is meant to serve the immediate customers in a better and more meaningful way. This model creates intentionality and confidence between 716 Ministries and the people they are trying to reach.
Three Stories Coffee lines up with 716 Ministries overall goals of equipping communities with skills, stability, and opportunity to escape cycles of poverty and insecurity. 716 Ministries is very clear with its faith foundation and intention with Three Stories Coffee. The non-profit uses many other diverse methods (including training programs, revitalizing properties, and volunteer service teams) to care for the poor, the widow, and the orphan in neighborhoods in Buffalo and NYC.
Three Stories Coffee is an awesome example of going beyond a simple concept and making it redemptive! I think it is really cool that they do it with the main purpose of supporting the economy around them, rather than themselves! It reminds me of the company Tegu. This is an excellent choice and a great example of showing God’s love beyond just giving a cup of coffee! Also, do you know why it is called three stories?
I think this business is really awesome and the fact they’re making it redemptive makes it even cooler. I liked how the owner said the quote, “We don’t hire people to sell coffee, we sell coffee to hire people.” Their focus isn’t about revenue, it;s about creating relationships within the community and helping to make the community better by investing into it. Another coffee shop similar to this is Uncommon Grounds Cafe in Aliquippa, PA!