Do you start your mornings with a cup of coffee? If so, you know that it’s an essential part of your daily routine. But what if your morning coffee could do more than just wake you up? Enter Sprig’s Coffee & Pastry Cafe, a small but bustling coffee shop located in the Carlyle neighborhood of Old Town Alexandria. While their signature roasted coffee, paninis, and pastries attract many customers, Sprig’s offers something even more valuable to the community: a job training program and employment opportunities.
Giving Back to the Community
Sprig’s Coffee & Pastry Cafe was founded by Catholic Charities USA with the goal of providing restaurant skills training to individuals from low-income communities. Monsignor Michael Boland, Executive Consultant for Catholic Charities USA, explains, “We’re a coffee shop focused on giving back to our community, since so much of our success over the past years is thanks to the locals in the area.” The cafe has already trained eight individuals for employment in the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia) area, offering them valuable experience and a chance to build a career in the restaurant industry.
A Delicious Menu
One of the highlights of Sprig’s Coffee & Pastry Cafe is its diverse menu of beverages and food options. While the iced caramel latte is a customer favorite, there’s much more to explore. For instance, their signature “Refuge” coffee is roasted by American military veterans living in transitional housing provided by Catholic Charities Community Services in Phoenix, AZ. This unique blend of coffee not only supports veterans but also offers a distinct flavor to coffee enthusiasts.
But the delights don’t end there. Sprig’s Coffee & Pastry Cafe also serves delicious homemade Mediterranean pastries. General Manager Abbas Ahmad, known as the “King of Baklava” in town, brings his expertise to the cafe’s kitchen. From baklava and sesame seed cookies to maamoul bars, Ahmad’s pastries have become a local sensation. He also adds his personal touch to the menu with giant chocolate cookies, Nutella cookies, and more, all crafted with homemade authenticity.
If you’re craving something savory, Sprig’s Coffee & Pastry Cafe has you covered. Their menu offers a variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, yogurt parfaits, and Lebanese dips. They even cater to lunch and dinner events, making them a go-to spot for satisfying your cravings at any time of the day.
Support from the Community
Sprig’s Coffee & Pastry Cafe faced unique challenges during the pandemic, as people adjusted to a new normal and many stopped going out for coffee altogether. However, thanks to the support of loyal customers and delivery services like DoorDash, Sprig’s survived and thrived. Msgr. Boland expresses his gratitude, saying, “The challenges of COVID served as a reminder that the Alexandria community has been behind its operators from the start. And they are determined to show their appreciation by giving back.”
Whether you’re looking for employment opportunities, a fantastic cup of coffee, or a delicious meal, Sprig’s Coffee & Pastry Cafe has it all. Visit them at 2050 Ballenger Avenue in Alexandria, VA, or connect with them through their website. They are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and closed on Sundays.
In local food news: Founding Farmers is coming to Alexandria, VA.