Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Ferstle & Leann Cantrell.
Rebecca & Leann, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Leann: I came out as a lesbian when I was 14 years old. I grew up in a small town that did not have a large LGBT presence. I felt very isolated and did not find that sense of community until I was old enough to go to gay bars. When I was in my mid 20’s, I worked in a coffee shop part-time while I was in school. I have often felt that an inclusive place for the LGBT community outside of alcohol would benefit the community.
Becca: Leann was deployed in 2018. Though this time was hard for us, part of what helped time pass was talking about what we would do once Leann returned home. Leann shared with me her dream of opening an LGBTQ+ coffee shop, and I immediately fell in love with the idea. Though it wasn’t something I had thought about previously, the safe space idea made sense to me for the community. From there I started searching for resources in Toledo to help support this dream.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. We had issues with securing funding. When we were finally making progress, the pandemic began and everything shut down. This further delayed acquiring a business loan which pushed back everything else, including construction.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Grindhrs Co. Coffee is the first LGBTQ+ safe space of its kind in Ohio. We offer community, hospitality, entertainment, and of course coffee in a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Grindhrs Co. hosts family-friendly events and Drag shows, in an alcohol-free environment, providing a safe space for youth, families, and members of the community that don’t drink.
Grindhrs Co. also has a creative menu of caffeinated treats, from sweet and unique lattes and mochas to coffee floats and flights. Our coffee, ice cream floats, and flights are the most original items on the menu, complete with fun names. Our mocha, float is called the “Yas Queen”, and our cold brew mocha caramel float is called the “Sugar Daddy”, making it fun to order and eat.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
The small business development center in downtown Toledo was immensely helpful in the planning stages of opening Grindhrs Co. They provided clarity, guidance, and support.
Our coffee distributor, Uncommon Coffee Roasters of Saugatuck Michigan, was also very supportive in answering questions and making sure we had all the tools we needed to be successful. We also wouldn’t be where we are today without our wonderful barista team. They are just as passionate as we are about coffee, and providing a safe space to the Toledo LGBTQ+ community as we are.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.grindhrs.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grindhrsco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrindhrsCo
