Nonprofit coffee shop to open

A longtime Enid business location soon will have a new tenant that will put money back into the community.

Five80 Coffeehouse will open in the old Cliff’s Camera location at 124 E. Randolph. Forgotten Ministries founders said they will make the business into a model to feed the poor and give back to the community.

They are copying the model of an organization called “One World, Everybody Eats,” in which they offer suggested donations for coffee and people pay what they can afford, said Sara Herrian, who along with husband Jeremiah founded Forgotten Ministries in Enid. The national restaurant organization Panera Bread also has begun a similar practice, turning some locations into Panera Cares using the same model Five80 Coffeehouse will use, Herrian said.

The nonprofit concept was designed to make the experience accessible to everyone, regardless of their means. The suggested donation amounts tell customers what the business needs to operate and be self-sufficient. The customer decides what he or she can afford to pay.

Those who cannot afford to pay anything can obtain a work voucher to help Forgotten Ministries, or any of the other ministries that work with them, Herrian said.

“We couldn’t have a better location, especially with the new construction and business happening downtown,” she said.

The goal is to open in the spring, but Herrian said the nonprofit has a flexible schedule because it depends on volunteers and fundraising. The money to purchase the buildings came from individual donors, and the renovation costs will be the same, she said, coming from individuals, churches and businesses that donate to the cause.

“It must be supported by the community in every aspect,” Herrian said.

Herrian said it is a unique and interesting way to carry on a business and pay the bills every month. However, she said she believes people like supporting businesses, especially those that are doing things in the community. The Herrians went to observe a couple of similar businesses in Colorado to see how they worked.

“You don’t think people will do the right thing when they have the opportunity, but they do. People who can’t afford it get the benefit,” Herrian said.

Volunteers to help with renovation are welcome, both professional and non-professional. Every Saturday will be a work day, but the Herrians will be there every day.

“There’s plenty to do even if you’re not a construction worker,” she said.