A local non-profit coffee shop will no longer be putting a lid on its operations.
Less than a month after announcing it would be shutting down mid-February, Higher Grounds announced it would remain open to the public thanks to the goodwill of an anonymous businessman.
The individual, who wishes to remain anonymous for now, came forward last week with the desire to take over the business, as well as the non-profit society that runs it.
“It’s the best thing that could happen to us,” said general manager and founder Crystal Terhorst.
Last month, Terhorst announced through an open letter to the Morinville News last month that the coffee shop would pour its last cup of coffee on Feb. 17.
“The main difficulty we were having was that a large portion of the volunteer staff was aging out,” explained Terhorst. “We were getting too old to do the work. This local businessman is able to bring some fresh faces with him.”
Terhorst established the social enterprise eight years ago. The vision was to create a gathering place for the community, as well as a way to give back. The business was set up as a charitable support society – it is run entirely by volunteers and all profits are donated to local charities.
Over the years, Higher Grounds has contributed thousands of dollars to the Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation, Victim Services, the food bank, Midstream Support and the Boy Scouts, among others.
The Morinville businessman intends to continue this charitable work, said Terhorst.
Terhorst said some volunteers might choose to stay on, but that a new board of directors would be elected and gradually phased in over the next few months.
The mystery man has also secured a new manager. Terhorst will continue to work into the spring to train this individual.
A series of farewell events scheduled for the month of February will go on as planned said Terhorst, as a way to usher in the changing of the guard.
A mini concert featuring Esther LeBel and Andrea Michaud will take place Feb. 3. On Feb. 10, a Charity Crib Tournament will take place, and on Feb. 17 the coffee shop will host its final Hot Dogma talent show. All events start at 7 p.m.
