DECATUR, Ga. — As late as last month, Waller’s Coffee Shop in Decatur was known for uke jams and open mics … In its space, it cultivated community.
“This place is a place of gathering," said Jason Waller, the man who started the coffee shop. "So when we were told we couldn’t gather, that was pretty devastating for us.”
Today, Jason Waller sits outside what is now a six-hour-a-day drive-thru. Waller’s is surviving on cups and donations.
“We’re hoping that this will keep us alive as a business," Waller said. "For the foreseeable future.”
But it has never just been a business. Waller battled depression both as a child and as an adult. He filled his shop with signs and guides to remove the stigma around mental health.
“Human connection is very important here," he told 11Alive's Matt Pearl. "People feel this is a place they can be themselves, where they can be vulnerable.”
So on Tuesday, Waller took his community virtual. The coffee shop hosted a Facebook open mic. Patrons and musicians strummed from their sofas.
“It just felt perfect," Waller said. "Like, ‘Hey, stay home … but let’s share. Let’s still live community.’”
Waller also made known a 30 percent discount for any health care worker. But that never happened. Why?
“Before I woke up, somebody sent me $40 to pay for drinks for healthcare workers,” he said.
Forty dollars has turned into 180 free coffees, ready for pick-up.
“The fact that we have 180 free coffees to give to health care workers right now has nothing to do with us," Waller said. "It’s all about the community.”
It’s that word that brings strength. Waller's business is confined to a few feet. His mission is boundless.
“To see the extra amount of kindness," he said, "on the Internet or even six feet to six feet, it’s really encouraging to see that side of the human spirit shine.”
Waller's Coffee Shop
240 DeKalb Industrial Way
Decatur, Ga. 30033
404-375-3060
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