Launching my business

I never dreamed of opening a restaurant or running my own business. As a single mom, I was proud to buy my 1st home and work hard to pay the bills. But, I didn’t know that my new neighborhood had issues. It wasn’t long before all my spare time was spent volunteering on efforts to revitalize my neighborhood. Over the years, I learned to love so many things about the people and richness of this community, but was frustrated that others couldn’t see reasons for hope here. I knew I needed to make more of an impact, and I decided to open a business that would give people a positive and welcoming experience in the Rockwood neighborhood. Crazy business model? Many people thought so…

Well intended friends advised, “businesses don’t survive in Rockwood…too much crime & graffiti… do you really believe customers will come to a business in Rockwood?” Those comments only solidified my commitment. Without bringing a community hub to Rockwood, how would the neighborhood’s reputation ever change?

I opened the doors to Park Place Coffee (& Crepes) Cafe in January 2007. One step in the door and you read the writing on the wall: “NEVER FORGET THAT YOU’RE A MEMBER OF YOUR OWN COMMUNITY.” The café’s décor celebrates Rockwood. Captions & photos explain “Las Posadas,” a Hispanic Christmas Celebration; our Slavic community members in front of their church, and local efforts with pictures of a child planting a tree in the park. Groups from around the area post community information on our bulletin boards, telling about activities at the library, mobile medical clinics or newspaper clippings highlighting local efforts.

The park next door to my cafe was once a hangout for gang members. I check out blankets to guests so they can take their food out to the sunshine and bring positive activity to the park. The disc golf community has also adopted the park, and many families now gather here.

Park Place Coffee has grown from my passion into the community’s. The neighbors have adopted Park Place and appreciate having it. Local organizations who serve this community hold their meetings here. Local politicians hold events here to draw attention to their dedication to the area. People from outside of the area travel here because they love the food, the atmosphere – and they are supporting an important neighborhood effort. Park Place Coffee is beginning to prosper and Rockwood is too.

Advice for others

There are plenty of people that can see why your dream can’t work, and if you listen to them, it never will.My business might make more money in another neighborhood, but if it didn’t hold my passion, it would just be another café.

Share your passion with your customers so they can feel it too. It is contagious and they too will become passionate about your cause and your success.