There’s a great new coffee shop in Clarkesville, GA that sponsors dog adoptions and donates to animal shelters. Every cup sipped benefits a furry friend.
Man’s Best Friend Cafe & New Coffee Shop
Address: 1349 Washington St., Clarkesville, GA 30523
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mansbestfriendcafe/
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/
Cynthia Lincoln’s new coffee shop creation is a story that should go down in history, to be told and re-told, as in the days of old… Before the written word existed, stories were passed from one generation to the next. Why? You may be thinking. Well, to inspire and teach. Maybe most of all, to pass on something amazing that uplifts us all. Moreover, it celebrates the idea that one person can overcome great obstacles and create something worthwhile. It is an origin story that later can be shared by the whole community.
From the exterior, Man’s Best Friend Cafe could be any coffee shop in any town in America. But it’s not! It’s something more. The very name grabs you before you enter, and you simply must experience it for yourself. So, I’m going to fast-forward this story to the most gripping part. Its inception, its origin. Firstly, it is birthed in the pain, heartbreak, and love of one woman for her dog.
Man’s Best Friend
Fittingly, it is just before Valentine’s Day as I sit down to write this article. This date holds within it both wonder and magic for owner, Cynthia Lincoln. As she would say; “My friends call me Linke.” Like many of us, Linke was troubled with an undiagnosed family mental illness that affected all aspects of her early life. She credits her dog Zoe, a beautiful black Mutt-Lab mix, with saving her life. Zoe was not only Linke’s best friend but also her saving grace.
First, Linke came to learn that the depression and anxiety she’d faced throughout her young life were a result of severe depression and bipolar disorder. Secondly, through therapy, life and friendship with Zoe, and a courageous re-connection with her father, Linke was able to cross the chasm of debilitating illness. With Zoe’s gentle understanding, love and companionship Linke was able to regain her health, reclaim her life, and strengthen her family.
A Father’s Love
If you’ve ever thought “good things never happen to good people, think again!” Fast forward to today, and Linke will tell you that her father helped her with the purchase of her business, Man’s Best Friend Cafe. Additionally, she will mention that he also kept an empty bedroom waiting for her the entire time. Most importantly, it became apparent that Linke’s father never stopped caring, and was always waiting for her to rejoin him.
Finally, as they say, “The rest is history!” What a fantastic stroke of good luck, right? Or, was it? To meet Linke and enjoy her creation, not only of coffee, but of the entirety of her story is to have a glimpse of the power of our universe working toward good. For those of us brave enough to love, learn, and put ourselves in alignment with that good. Only in hindsight does it become apparent that the power of love creates this good.
The Heart of this New Coffee Shop
As I’ve already mentioned, Valentine’s Day holds great meaning for Linke and Man’s Best Friend Cafe. Furthermore, Valentine’s Day is the 1st anniversary of the day that she purchased this coffee shop. The cafe commemorates her beloved Zoe, who later died of cancer. Yet, Zoe lives on through the legacy of this amazing cafe; where 10% of all profits go to local animal shelters. In addition, the coffee shop’s back porch caters to furry friends, complete with unlimited water bowls and pup treats!
Coffee Shop Events
Moreover, Feb 14th, 2024 is an extra-special date, since Man’s Best Friend is hosting the “Barks and Brews Adoption Event”, from 11 am – 4 pm at the Maudlin House, 458 Jefferson St. Clarkesville, GA 30523. Likewise, Linke would like to invite everyone! In her own words “Come sip love-infused coffee, or indulge in heart-warming tea, and meet adorable dogs seeking forever homes! We’ll have a new drink menu created especially for the occasion, and every sip supports Habersham County Animal Shelter.”
What’s more, should you miss this event, there will be many more opportunities to attend one in the future. For more information to rescue/foster/adopt check out their upcoming events on Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/mansbestfriendcafe/ or Facebook, https://m.facebook.com/
New Coffee Shop / Roast / Pairings
Man’s Best Friend proudly features Break Coffee Roasters hailing from Duluth, GA. Linke shares their view “that life, flavors, and people are all richer when you can slow down and notice them.” Their distinct flavor notes are derived from the origins and process of each coffee they roast.
We suggest you try a Cordato with equal parts espresso and steamed milk. Pair it with a Brie, Fig and Bacon Focaccia. Or maybe… A full-bodied pour-over to experience all the nuance of Linke’s superior blend. Pair this with an Apple Tart artisan crafted by Flour- Salt-Water Bakery out of Cornelia, GA. Whatever your selection, your coffee experience is carefully crafted with heart and soul. Love of community, family and friends are key here, both of the canine persuasion and human-kind.
Upon Reflection
When we seek to look further than the surface, we always find amazing stories by amazing people. What we love best; is that “fact is better than fiction.” Something that may appear small on the surface has much greater depth, if your willing to take that deeper look.
What goes deeper than a Father’s love for his daughter? A young girl’s love for her dog? A dog’s unconditional love for its owner? We need only look to find out. Here at the Coffee Critics that is exactly what we enjoy doing, and we hope you will come along for the ride!
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