Every coffee consumer is well aware that no two coffee shops are the same, but a coffee shop in Roswell, Georgia is certainly one of the most unique you could ever visit.  Of course, at this time, you have to be a member of the faculty at Roswell High School in order to enjoy a cup of brew from this coffee shop, but that doesn’t stop its “employees” from enjoying a fulfilling day of work and from learning some valuable job skills.

The Roswell Roast and Toast

So, what is so special about this coffee shop?  The short answer is “everything!”

The Roswell Roast and Toast is inherently unique due to the fact that it is located in the teacher’s lounge in Roswell High School.  What makes it even more unique is the fact that it is ran by special education students who are a part of the high school’s functional program.

“This program takes away the walls of the classroom,” Jennifer Myrick, who is a teacher at Roswell’s Centennial High School, told the Atlantic Journal-Constitution. “Students get a glimpse of what they can do and hat leads to success.”

Enjoying Success with Coffee

Myrick is certainly right about one thing – students at Roswell High School are enjoying a great deal of success with the help of their coffee shop ventures.  Not only has the venture helped them raise money – such as the $100 they have already donated to the Special Olympics thanks to their profits – it has also taught the students valuable daily living skills that will help make it easier for them to transition into the workforce after graduating from high school.

“I do everything in orderly shape,” senior Lontavius Ross told the Atlantic Journal-Constitution.  “I make deliveries, do inventory and restock supplies.  It’s fun.”

Of course, the students aren’t the only ones who are enjoying being a part of the Roswell Roast and Toast.  The faculty and staff at Roswell High are also enjoying the fact that they can stop in at the teacher’s lounge to get a fresh cup of coffee and a snack or they can even place an order online and have it delivered.

“Teachers like their coffee, and this is so convenient,” teaching assistant Betty Bean told the Atlantic Journal-Constitution.  “It’s wonderful to see these students participate and do something they are in control of.”

Not only are the students enjoying the process, they have also bonded together as a team throughout the process.

“I love seeing them grow from this work,” Senior Crystal Webb, who works as a mentor to the students, said. “I don’t know another class that is this close — they are one big team.”

This unique coffee shop has actually been serving coffee and other treats to teachers since October of this school year, but only recently had its grand opening event.  More than 50 guests, including Roswell’s Mayor Jere Wood, attended the special event.  Since its unofficial opening, the coffee shop has been busily serving about 100 faculty members and is working hard to earn enough profits to take the class on a trip to the Georgia Aquarium.  With the teamwork these coffee shop employees have shown so far, it likely won’t be long before that trip becomes a reality!

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