The Grove entertainment district prides itself on being eclectic and now it can add to the already diverse business types, as a coffee house is rising. This summer, first time business owner, Jessie Mueller and Rise Coffee House will be taking up shop at 4180 Manchester Avenue. The Grove has been in the market to add a coffee house, so much that it had a most wanted ad on its website, which can be found here. The shop not only fulfills this need, but it hopes to bring residents together to foster a greater sense of community.
Owner Jessie Mueller is no stranger to the Grove- the growing, vibrant entertainment district along Manchester Road in St. Louis City. Last year, she worked closely with the Forest Park Southeast Neighborhood as a Social Work practicum student with the Washington University Medical Center. Quickly falling in love with the community, she played an integral role in planning both Grove Fest and Holly Daze and also worked on a number of beautification projects and human services programs. Inspired by the unique culture of the Grove and using her community building background, Jessie dreamed of a coffee shop that both celebrated the neighborhood, while providing a daytime place for people to come together. She decided to name her shop Rise, saying, “I wanted to incorporate this notion that as a community, as a city, we should rise together… This neighborhood is so full of life, potential, diversity and has a wonderfully inclusive nature, but there is still a lot of work to be done, and I’d like to be a part of its progress.”
Jessie’s dream will become a reality in August, when Rise Coffee House will hold its Grand Opening. In keeping with the neighborhood’s eclectic and diverse vibe, Rise Coffee will be an inclusive, artfully created, bohemian community space featuring exposed brick walls, a reclaimed wood coffee bar, upcycled furniture and handmade fixtures. This coffee shop aims to unite the neighborhood around direct and fair trade, hand brewed coffee, and quality espresso roasted locally by Goshen Coffee Company. In Jessie’s own words, “RISE aims to awaken, bring up and, progress our city through sustainably crafted coffee and baked goods, all while spinning the tunes we like best.”
In addition to specialty coffee, Rise Coffee House will also provide a second-story space designed for the many children attending any of the three schools within a 2 mile radius of the shop. With many urban families looking for community spaces inclusive of children, Rise offers constructive and safe activities such as whimsical yet simple toys, music, and a craft table with supplies for creating Rise coffee shop masterpieces. Further accommodating the unique culture and cycling community of the Grove, there will also be a subtle bicycle theme on the first floor, featuring a bike of the month from Randy’s Recycled Cycles, a custom made bike rack out front, and a special bicycle themed light fixture.
The best news is that you don’t even have to wait until late summer! Rise will be opening its doors for a sneak preview during IndiHop, the local independent craft beer festival on June 1st. In the meantime you can stay up to date by visiting and “liking” Rise’s Facebook Page. With the addition of Rise and the recent news of Urban Chestnut Brewing Company coming to the Grove in January 2014, the district continues to progress forward!
Be sure to check back next Tuesday, May 28th for Part 2 of our interview, taking a closer look into Rise’s menu, the inspiration behind the concept, and much, much more!