Many a beer has been consumed at 5017 49th St. Now the former site of the Rancher’s Valley Inn is a good place to order a latte or smoothie.
Solid Ground Café opened last month in a ground level bay of what is now the River Valley Apartments. In addition to specialty coffees and other drinks, the business serves food like paninis, wraps, bagels, soups and squares.
“It’s a good lunch place,” said Colleen Markus, who manages the café.
And with doors open at 7:30 a.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. on Saturdays, Solid Ground Café can also provide that first meal of the day.
“We do a really nice breakfast wrap with eggs and bacon,” said Markus.
Solid Ground Café is connected with Solid Ground Ministry, of which Markus is the director. She described it as a discipleship ministry designed for men who are recovering from substance abuse.
Solid Ground Café provides a place where those men can meet, and even help out and develop their work skills.
“It’s a place of welcome,” said Markus. “It’s a place of warmth and love and community.”
The café has seating for about 24.
“Every day there are new people in,” said Markus, who hopes to organize musical drop-in sessions on Friday evenings.
Solid Ground Café is open until approximately 7 on weeknights and 4 p.m. on Saturdays. It’s closed on Sundays.
Solid Ground Ministry operates under Potter’s Hand Ministries.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com