Nonprofit organization Greenhouse Ministries is preparing to open a coffee shop called Ivy on Spring at 203 East State Street in Murfreesboro.
Alexander Sanford, the operations director for Greenhouse Ministries, told What Now Nashville that the chief goal of the coffee shop will be to further the organization’s mission. Sanford’s grandparents Cliff and Jane Sharp founded Greenhouse Ministries in 1999 when they realized a need to support the working poor who were still struggling to support families and make ends meet but did not qualify for government assistance. Now, the organization continues to help, educate and connect clients who seek out assistance.
“They wanted to help the community dream again in Rutherford County,” Sanford said. “We want to inspire people who we can help, train and get on their feet so they can support themselves again.”
About 15 years ago, the organization opened a thrift store to help fund their community outreach efforts. Similarly, the coffee shop will help raise funds to allow Greenhouse Ministries to continue to support the community. However, the goal of Ivy on Spring is two-fold: it will not only raise funds, but also act as its own method of community outreach.
“We have reached the point where we want to do something else as well to continue to support our backend finances to support the team we have,” Sanford said. “The cool thing about doing a coffee shop is it gives us a space where we can support the community by giving them a space where they can come.”
Customers can expect Ivy on Spring to act as a community space, with comfortable seating, community tables and couches. The design is open and welcoming, with Greenhouse merchandise for sale. The space, which clocks in at just over 2,000 square feet, is currently in the renovation process.
Sanford envisions the coffee shop as a business that will help their clients, volunteers and other members of the community. He sees a lot of potential for partnerships and even internships for community members or students who want to learn more about business.
The team is aiming for an opening later this summer, though an exact opening date depends on construction.
