Inspiring Conversations with Katie Boor of The Garden Cafe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Boor.

Hi Katie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story starts with family. I used to wake to the sound of the coffee grinder as my dad began his day, followed by the familiar creak of his footsteps on the stairs. He’d talk to me through sips of his second cup. I had until he finished his coffee to get up and start mine.

As I got older, I began to notice how coffee had a way of bringing people together. It’s more than a pick-me-up—it’s a conversation starter, a treat, and a relationship builder. Some of the best and hardest conversations in my life have happened over a cup of coffee. Coffee became a safe space I continued to engage in and work with, even as I faced a career change, a big move, or began seeking deeper meaning in my life.

So when leadership at Grace Fellowship invited me to step into a full-time role to help create a space for our local community—a place where relationships are built and people are seen and known—I jumped at the chance. Creating a space where people can be themselves, where every visit feels like a breath of fresh air, is at the heart of The Garden Cafe. It’s a place to grow deeper in your journey—through community, conversation, or a connection with God.

Just as I learned that coffee is more than a warm beverage, I discovered that my passion for community goes beyond coffee. It’s about creating family wherever you go by meeting people where they are—whether through food, storytimes, book clubs, the playland, the gym, trivia nights, or more. There’s always an opportunity to create connection and invite people into your life—maybe for 30 seconds, maybe for a lifetime. And I’ve learned it becomes easier over a cup of coffee.

A cup of coffee can break down barriers and create moments that invite others to experience a kind of love that goes deeper than they imagined. It opens the door to a purposeful life—and sometimes, to faith.

Providing meaningful experiences at The Garden Cafe and seeing the joy they bring to our community has been the sweetest treat.
And for me, it all started with family—and being woken up by a cup of coffee.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have not always known what I wanted to do. But I have always known I want to make a difference. I want to help others feel seen, known and valued. I have had several career changes and many moments where I didn’t have any idea what I was doing or even if I was going in the right direction. From campus ministry at OSU to barista training at Starbucks to residence life in higher education I kept trying to find my way. I wasn’t entirely sure how to best serve others in a way that communicates they matter. But I continued to try new things and get closer to a place where I have always felt heard and seen and known. A place that began with coffee. When Grace’s leadership approached me with the opportunity to run The Garden Cafe, it felt tailor-made for me, but it was going to take an immense amount of work. As with anything new there are challenges to overcome. There is a significant learning curve moving from barista trainer to running a café. Spoiler: there is a learning opportunity with every. single. thing. Even the things I thought I knew well, there was (and still is!) room for growth. However, I have had great support from my community to remind me of the vision and how we can all work together to make a difference in Columbus Ohio. This could not have happened without the initial vision of the elder board at Grace Fellowship to meet a need for our community, the long hours put in by my staff (especially my shift supervisors) and, of course, our guests who were willing to try something new! It has been so rewarding to watch people come together with various talents to collaborate and create something meaningful that will leave an impact. It’s only just the beginning but I am already seeing how The Garden Cafe is starting to making a difference.

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?
At the Garden Cafe, guests can enjoy quality coffee from local roaster OneLine Coffee, house-made syrups, and a food menu featuring breakfast, burgers, salads, pastries, and fresh-cut fries.

The Garden Cafe also gives guests access to several amenities, including a large open seating area with plenty of outlets, a children’s playland, gym with multiple courts, bouldering wall, meeting spaces, and, of course, quality coffee and delicious food. We are located inside Grace Fellowship’s Pickerington Campus, offering opportunities to explore faith in Jesus and to join serving the community.

The Garden Cafe is more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee – it’s a warm, welcoming space where you can relax, savor great flavors, and enjoy meaningful conversations. Our goal is to nurture connection and foster growth by providing all the right elements – whether it’s comfortable seating, quality coffee, or delicious food. Every visit should feel like a breath of fresh air.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Community is essential to our success. Two groups, in particular, have played a vital role in shaping The Garden Cafe:

1. Those who rallied around a shared goal—to meet a need in our community and to share Jesus—and helped bring The Garden Cafe to life.
2. Those who continue to show up each day, whether by serving or by enjoying our coffee, food, and space.

Together, they have made it all possible.

And it is because of our community that we strive to continuously grow, promote kindness and respect, and believe in “we” over “me.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thegardencafe.cc
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegardencafe.oh
• Other: https://www.graceftc.cc