THEDFORD – Anthem Coffee, the newest business on the east side of Thedford, held its official grand opening celebration on Thursday, December 1 in conjunction with Thedford’s ‘Old Fashioned Christmas’.
Alicia Clark, owner, credits her husband, Adam, children Anna, a sophomore, and Caleb, a 6th grader, and her parents Chris and Kim Abbott of Hyannis for supporting her and encouraging her to fulfil her dream of opening a coffee shop. Kim was helping her out serving that day.
The Thedford Service Club, of which Clark is a member, sponsored the ribbon cutting. Service Club members holding the ribbon were Richard Jameson and Jay Jones, while member Alice Hodges and friends, Pastors Coral and Les Parmenter looked on, as well as new Anthem Coffee customers, Tami Miller, Mullen, and Betty Schubauer, Valentine who came at the right time to be part of the photo op.
“We both had business to do in town, so thought we would meet and check out this coffee shop we have heard so much about,” explained Miller.
This was the second ribbon cutting Clark performed for Anthem Coffee. The first was a soft opening on October 13 in conjunction with the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway (SJNSB) organization’s monthly meeting. Anthem then officially opened its doors on October 18.
“That was a great way to get some kinks worked out before we opened our door to the public,” Clark explained. That day too, Clark was awarded a $500 entrepreneurial grant from the SJNSB given yearly to new businesses along the byway.
Clark stated in the six weeks she has been opened, she has far exceeded expectations. She tries to utilize as much local businesses as possible. Ewoldt’s Grocery, for example, supplies Anthem’s milk.
“In just the first four or five days, we used 40 gallons of milk,” Clark said. “Unbelievable!”
Anthem Coffee hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. They offer daily soup and sandwich specials, as well as a variety of flavors and beverages hot and cold, and of course plain black coffee for those who have no need for added calories or frills. The shop does have a drive-through, or one can call ahead and order at 308-645-2381.
