With Dave Matthews playing softly in the background and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in the air, people gather to discuss their busy lives and, for a moment, they are in harmony.
Does it sound too good to be true? You can find this special conjunction at The Acoustic Coffeehouse, right off campus at 415 W. Walnut St. The coffeehouse is owned and operated by local musicians Jim and Lori Benelisha.
The coffeehouse focuses on bringing the art of relaxing into busy days. A coffeehouse is a place to unwind and slow down, somewhere to sit down and open up a newspaper. “There needs to be one in every college town,” Jim Benelisha said.
At the doorway, a bright red coffee grinder and labeled burlap bags of organically grown coffee greet visitors. The open space is filled with mismatching tables and chairs, a cozy couch against a wall and a bookcase crammed with CDs by various artists. Individuals quietly chat, the espresso machine brews and music fills in the background.
In addition to those seeking the serene atmosphere, the coffeehouse draws in a musical crowd. The Benelishas have been musicians for many years and wanted to incorporate music into their new business. “This business is not retirement, but a second chance, a second career,” Benelisha said.
The coffeehouse features an open stage, day and night, welcoming any musicians who wish to play in front of a small stress-free setting, Benelisha said. The music varies from day to day and moment to moment. Music includes jazz, bluegrass, new age and classical. There have also been poetry readings.
Benelisha said that aside from the music, one of the most important aspects a coffeehouse brings is the social and political purpose. The Acoustic Coffeehouse welcomes people to freely discuss politics or have interest group meetings. “We try to encourage group discussion. Apart from the university, there really are no other venues like it in town,” Lori Benelisha said.
Comfort is also a main focus. Many regulars visit for a quick and healthy snack or meal. It seems to attract many students because of its quiet and relaxing atmosphere. “I come here to study, because it’s quiet, and everyone is nice,” said Rita Vanhoy, ETSU student and coffeehouse supporter.
An appetizing menu adds flavor to the soothing rhythms there. The staff cooks up sandwiches, wraps, lasagna and desserts. The menu items which are homemade and made fresh-to-order are served all night long.
The Acoustic Coffeehouse offers a variety of beverages to satisfy a thirst. Known especially for the coffee ground every other day, they also have smoothies, cappuccino, mochas, espresso, Chai tea, soft drinks and a selection of micro-brewed beers.
In fact, the Acoustic Coffeehouse offers 25 micro-brewed beers that are not found many places. “Seventy-five percent of the sales at this time are due to alternate beer sales,” Lori Benelisha said.
Micro-brews are made from a smaller brewery, as opposed to a national company.
“It’s hard to find a good micro-brew around here, so that’s a very attractive feature to the Acoustic Coffeehouse,” said Phillip Stafford, ETSU college student.
The once-vacant building that was previously a meat shop has turned into a lively refuge for young and old. The coffeehouse opens at 7:30 a.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. on Saturday, and it closes when the people leave. “We stay open late, sometimes till 3 a.m. depending on the crowd,” Benelisha said, “Till the music stops.”
The Acoustic Coffeehouse’s success has inspired the Benelishas to make plans for future renovations. “By spring, we hope to have a deck added out front of the coffeehouse for customers and a landscaped setting space out back,” Lori Benelisha said.

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