Stop By Peabody's Brand New Cafe

PEABODY, MA – The City of Peabody was looking for a cafe. Northeast Arc was looking to add another layer of job training to their programming. Breaking Grounds Cafe, opened last week, fills both those needs.

The cafe, owned and operated by Northeast Arc, offers job training to people with disabilities as part of Arc's employment services programming. Arc provides services across the disability spectrum, including physical disabilities and autism. Tim Brown, Northeast Arc Division Director of Day Services, said many of the organization's clients have an interest in customer and food services. Breaking Grounds takes a handful of clients at a time, trains them, and gives them a paid job to put on their resumes.

"We've already gotten regulars," said Brown of the cafe's opening. "The stars kind of aligned."

This is Northeast Arc's first venture into the food business, and Brown was surprised how many Breaking Grounds applicants had a background in human services. The cafe boasts baristas who have experience in special education and applied specifically because of Northeast Arc's mission of providing lifelong support to disabled citizens.

The city determined earlier this year that a cafe would help pull Peabody Square together. The Office of Planning and Community Development helped get a pop up cafe, "the Coffee Experiment," off the ground at 67 Main St. with the help of grants. Jaho Coffee & Tea occupied the space over the summer, but opted not to continue in the storefront.

Jaho was one of several community partners that offered support and advice to Breaking Grounds, according to Brown. He said the support was paramount to the cafe's success: Northeast Arc made the transition over the course of just a month.

That means that in a month, Breaking Grounds had to hire an already experienced staff, lease and purchase equipment, get vendors for coffee and food, and get the word out.

"I'm just really proud," said Mikki Wilson, an active Northeast Arc supporter who's on the Board of Directors. "I think it's a really creative venture.

Breaking Grounds uses Barrington Roasters of Lee, MA, for coffee; and Henry's Market of Beverly, Fat Cats of Amesbury, and Native Maine for food items. The cafe is introducing quiches and sandwiches this week, and will continue to expand the menu.

"It's been such an easy and smooth transition because of all the support we've gotten from City Hall and our community partners," said Brown. He also said the experienced staff have made it a successful first week.

Northeast Arc's work isn't done yet: Brown said the cafe hopes to have some sort of evening entertainment like musical performances or an open mic night. People can stay updated on the cafe's new additions by following them on Facebook.

The hours for the 67 Main St. cafe are as follows:

• Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Sunday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Monday 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Tuesday 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Wednesday 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Thursday 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Friday 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

Staff photo, Taylor Rapalyea