Terri Lewis’ involvement in a field study through ETSU has led to her working on opening a caf in The Assembly, a downtown church.
The Assembly is located across the street from Heather’s Hideaway and Main Street Antiques. The caf’s grand opening is First Friday March 3.
Lewis started out in dietetics and really liked the food end of it, but not the science. She realized food service management required several of the same classes, but without as much science.
She added some business classes, which have helped her in opening the caf.
In her field study Lewis had to create a budget and learn to manage financial resources, practice procurement, schedule and train caf volunteers, follow recipes, maintain sanitation, and develop and implement a marketing plan. She also had to learn what licenses are needed and how taxes work in a non-profit organization.
“Starting out I felt that the classes I had taken so far had provided sufficient information for me to be successful in opening the caf,” Lewis said.
“This proved to be true. But I didn’t realize how much work it would be. I’m so happy with how things have turned out.
“I know for sure now that I want to open my own small business in the future. I believe this has been the best experience I could possibly have.”
The caf offers free wireless Internet access and computer use, and free coffee to the public, lattes and cappuccinos for $1.50 and hot chocolate and apple cider at 50 cents.
With couches and tables, it is a place to hang out, study, play board games, and is somewhere people can feel safe.
Lewis said her mission is “to promote community and bring glory to God by serving others with gladness and sincerity of heart.”
“Having the caf open throughout the week not only provides an alternative hangout to all the bars downtown,” Lewis said.
“But it also gives us opportunity to distribute any items from The Assembly’s homeless ministry, such as clothes and hygiene products, to anyone who comes in with a need.”
The Assembly Caf’s grand opening is on First Friday March 3 at about 7 p.m., and will be featuring Ben Jones playing acoustic. Check out www.theassemblyjc.org.

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