For about a year on Texas Boulevard, across from City Church, a new coffee place has been brewing. Keeping things low profile, the proprietors have had this project on simmer, but the brew is about done to perfection, with Brewster's on the Boulevard set to open Tuesday.
"Interest is keen in a locally owned coffee shop," said Charlotte McCarver, co-founder. "Folks are also interested in the idea of funds going to help folks in mission fields, both locally and internationally."
Brewster's on the Boulevard is indeed a coffee house with a mission, being in association with City Church. The work to put Brewster's together took about a year, refurbishing the space that Premier Cleaners previously occupied. City Church members as well as other local skilled craftspersons put in the work to help get the place ready.
The grand opening is at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
"We needed a crunch date, and we picked Oct. 15," said Robert McCarver, co-founder. "We couldn't keep putting it off."
The McCarvers credit Chuck Taramona, a veteran barista from out of town, as key figure in helping them get things ready.
"We needed someone experienced in doing the actual work in running a coffee shop, preparing coffee, operating the equipment, and we got Chuck. She is an answer to prayers," said Charlotte McCarver.
Taramona, 25, a lifelong Texas girl who has dabbled in several trades, has bounced around all over the state and has found herself in Texarkana. In demand as a talented barista and manager, she confesses that she did not at all anticipate settling in Texarkana but does feel that she was led by God to come here.
"I was in Mount Pleasant, answering a job offer," she said. "But I met Charlotte and Robert and found out what they needed. We are kindred spirits, and following my feet, I found myself here."
Settling in town with her husband, she anticipates being here awhile.
"We are looking to hire baristas," she said. "All walks of life, outgoing, younger perhaps, with a desire to serve, perhaps in ways you might not expect."
Brewster's on the Boulevard opens Tuesday, featuring live music. KKYR will also be present, promoting the event. Later, live music will be a regular feature on the weekends.
Business hours starting on Wednesday, Oct. 16, are from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 2 p.m.to 8 pm. on Sunday. It is at 4303 Texas Blvd., Suite 12. For more information, call 903-792-6331.