Something new is brewing at Begich Middle School. Kaladi Brothers Coffee has partnered with the school to launch a student-run cafe, named The Spot. School Business Partnership teachers, Michelle Barton and Whitney D'Atri, wanted to provide an opportunity for students to get some real work experience and business training. Underscoring our commitment to be a Catalyst for Community, your local roaster is taking an active role to empower students with tools to succeed in this endeavor.

"It is more to us than selling great coffee. Being part of the community is at the core of who we are," said Tim Gravel, who is an owner of Kaladi Brothers Coffee.

Kori Parkhurst of Kaladi Brothers Coffee has been instrumental in finding an espresso machine for the new cafe, while coffee guru Paul Rasher taught a special class to train the 13 student employees at Begich Middle School. Dale Tran who is chief operating officer at Kaladi Brothers Coffee has been a great advocate for the new cafe and loaned equipment so students could open The Spot immediately. Students put their training into action and served dozens of happy customers at the Begich Fall Carnival in November.

The Spot is open before and after school. In addition, it will be open for other school functions such as sporting events, dances, concerts and other major functions. Steamers, Italian sodas, and hot chocolate are available to students. Espresso is for parents, teachers and other staff members.

Money raised by The Spot will initially go back into running the business, however, Begich Middle School is discussing the possibility of using the profits earned to offer scholarships or grants to students and clubs. Other community based ideas are in the works as well.

"Kaladi Brothers Coffee is honored to help teach the next generation of Alaskans. As a company born and raised in Alaska, it is only fitting the cause at Kaladi Brothers Coffee is to be a Catalyst for Community. That is why your local roaster contributes time and resources to give back," said Brad Bigelow, who is an owner of Kaladi Brothers Coffee.