For those looking for something extra with their coffee or espresso, newly opened Nehemiah’s Coffee House in Forest Lake is now serving Tuscaloosa residents a fusion of coffee and spirituality.
The new coffee spot, owned and operated by Forest Lake Baptist Church, opened on May 20, and a grand opening featuring a Nook giveaway was held on June 2.
Nehemiah’s gets its name from the Biblical story of Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem in 52 days. Similarly, 52 weeks passed from the idea’s beginning to the day it opened. The shop represents growth and recovery in the Forest Lake area following the April 27 tornado.
Noticing that Tuscaloosa was full of businesses providing coffee but lacking a “coffee house atmosphere,” collegiate pastor Aaron Barnes aspired to create a place where the community could come together to connect.
“We wanted to reach out to the community and share ministry,” Barnes said. “The ultimate goal is the church and the church’s vision, which is to love God.”
The shop is built on a site where a former building owned by the church was destroyed in the April 27 tornado, and it took only five months to build.
The shop’s interiors have high ceilings, artwork and comfortable couches and chairs. It also offers free WiFi and television. The shop is located minutes from campus and Midtown Village.
Although Nehemiah’s is affiliated with and run by Forest Lake Baptist Church, Barnes insists that all members of the community are welcome.
“We’re not going to be out there quoting scripture,” Barnes said. “Some people just don’t want to hear it, and that’s fine. They can still get some great coffee. On the flip side, if that opportunity presents itself to share scripture, we’d like to do that, too.”
Austin Browning, a junior majoring in management information systems, enjoyed an iced caramel mocha on his first visit to Nehemiah’s.
“I’m friends with Aaron Barnes, and that’s how I heard about Nehemiah’s,” Browning said. “I’m overwhelmingly excited about the combination of coffee and spirituality. I plan on bringing more friends here.”
Leesa Barnes, a volunteer at Nehemiah’s, expressed her excitement about the future of the coffee house.
“Business has been steady,” she said. “We’re getting lots of people walking in Forest Lake coming inside to buy coffee. In August, we’re looking to expand our hours for the students in town.”
Around 30 members of Forest Lake Baptist Church volunteer as workers in the coffee shop, allowing for coffee to be sold at a low cost. Nehemiah’s serves Seattle’s Best Coffee, a brand owned by Starbucks. Customers can select a basic cup of coffee or choose from specialty drinks like mochas, macchiatos, lattes, and fruit smoothies.
Nehemiah’s Coffee House is located at 101 18th St. in the Forest Lake neighborhood. The shop is open from 3 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and noon to 10 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, visit Nehemiah’s Coffee House on Facebook.
