… and where we meet matters too
“To inspire choices that lead to healthier and more vibrant communities across the Charlotte metro region for generations to come.”
– Sustain Charlotte’s Mission
I like coffee meetings; with old friends or someone I am meeting for the first time. Coffee or tea is quick and easy.
These quiet settings are also my choice if we are patching up differences or trying to reach a middle ground from opposite starting points.
Like many, I didn’t think it mattered much where we met as long as the conversation was productive.
That was before I considered the Good – Better – Best model in choosing the location.
Now, when considering where to meet, I think …
We could meet at the big chain; the one with a shop on every corner. They are good; providing jobs in the community, along with a comfortable setting. But…
A better choice is one of the local shops in our neighborhoods. They each have their own style and vibe. I am always more comfortable in local shops that give me everything I need, along with keeping the benefits in the community.
The best choice, however, is Julia’s Café & Books.
Julia’s is an easy call for me – great coffee, friendly staff, comfortable surroundings, stacks of books to browse and best of all…the proceeds go to build Habitat homes in our community.
Habitat for Humanity has a simple and powerful vision …
A world where everyone has a decent place to live.
There you have it – where we meet for coffee does matter. It matters for the family that qualifies to buy an affordable home without interest on their loan – a family that will become tax paying members of our community.
Julia Maulden gave her name to this legendary coffee and book shop. She was Habitat’s first volunteer executive director; she helped get Habitat for Humanity started in Charlotte back in 1983 with the support of seven local churches.
Today, Julia’s is home to Alex Fontánez. Just as much as where we meet for coffee matters, the barista matters and Alex is the best. Raised in southern California before moving to Reno; Alex came to Charlotte to be near his parents, sister and other relatives.
“A few months after arriving in Charlotte I volunteered for a mobilization with the Navy. The mobilization was to Kuwait, but soon after arriving, I was sent to Afghanistan. That was an eye opening experience to say the least. After a year, I made it home – all in one piece. I’m grateful for that.
“When I got home, I felt so thankful for America that I wanted to give back somehow. My research lead me to Habitat for Humanity and I started volunteering. When I saw an opening in the coffee shop, I jumped in, then a staff spot opened up.”
Alex has become a major asset to Julia’s and is now the supervisor. Alex, like so many, is putting his drops in the bucket to make life better for all of us.
“I am grateful to get to interact with so many amazing people every day. From the regulars, to the people just stopping in on their way through town. I think we’re providing a service for the community in offering a place to meet and enjoy delicious, locally sourced products.
“It’s important for me to support local businesses, but it’s even better when that business supports the community in return…in more ways than one.”
Now, I will always look for the Good – Better – Best choice when considering our meeting spot.
Julia’s may not be practical because of where you live, but are there Julia type shops in your neighborhood or city? I have found some as I travel … let us know what you find.
When you meet friends for coffee, does it matter where you meet? Should it? Why?
If shopping local matter to you, what local merchants do you know?
Have you been to Julia’s? Is the Habitat for Humanity connection a plus for you? Have you been next door to ReStore?
As always, the conversation starts here.
“In the ordinary choices of every day we begin to change the direction of our lives.”
– Eknath Easwaran
Hi Bruce — I totally agree with you. I try to support independent coffee shops as often as possible, but when you can support an amazing nonprofit like Habitat for Humanity just by buying a latte, it’s even better.
Jill, thanks for joining the discussion. I am going to apply this Good, Better, Best logic to other choices so I can keep working to the Best choice.
– Bruce
Alex is always thinking of new ideas to improve and provide better quality from coffee to the food in the counter. He loves his job and the people he meets everyday.
Great article, thank you and thank you Alex, also for your service overseas.
Joe –
Thanks for reading and commenting. Yes, Alex is awesome and Julia’s is always by BEST choice for coffee.
– Bruce
I have known Alex since he was around four or five years old I have always thought he was the loveliest person but hey, his is was the son of one of my dearest friends….my brother, wife and family live in Charlotte area and I will pass this on to them gladly…
Gaye –
Thanks for reading and for your comment. Yes, please share the story with your Charlotte friends and others around the country. Shops like Julia’s and people like Alex are all putting their drops in the bucket, and making our lives better.
– Bruce
Julia’s is one of my favorite places in Charlotte! Thanks for the great shout-out to Habitat, the work we do, and the difference our decisions make every day.
Maria –
Thanks. Yes, Julia’s is the BEST choice. I hope you are settling into your Habitat for Humanity role in Greensboro. Is there a Julia’s in the future for your affiliate?
The next time you are in Charlotte, let’s have coffee, at _____. Yep! Julia’s!
– Bruce
Bruce, love to know someone who puts his “money” where his values are. Have enjoyed meeting you — and new friends — at Julia’s over the past couple of years. Thank you for the community you (and Julia) bring to us all.
Barbara –
Yes, Julia’s is the BEST choice and the BEST for our community. Thanks for always being part of the conversation.
– Bruce
I am going to head to Julia’s! Thank you for your writing. What a great offering to the world!
Love Julia’s & their coffee…one of only three used bookstores in Charlotte…(if there are more, tell me)…& we live in a habitat house. This “choices matter” seems like a good theme. Pursue?
Mary Howard,
Thanks for reading and for heading to Julia’s. It is my choice…
Also, I am happy if you enjoy Choices Do Matter…please come back for another visit soon and join the conversation.
– Bruce
Jessica – Thanks for being part of the conversation. Yes, I love Julia’s also. I will check on the number of used book stores in Charlotte…you may be right…not many. That is a shame as so many books just sit around when they could be shared with others. Choices Do Matter is a good theme, I think, and it sounds like you have made good choices. I would like to learn more about your Habitat home and about http://www.overthechessboard.com. I liked your FaceBook page and would encourage others to like it as well. Please continue to be part of the… Read more »
Bruce,
Yes, Julia’s is the BEST!… I received the BEST advice there recently from a fine and caring person….YOU!
Supporting local small businesses is very important. Profits stay close to home and relationships are formed. Wade
Wade –
I remember our conversation at Julia’s, let’s meet again soon. Yes, local is important. I prefer relationships over transactions for the value they add to our community.
Thanks for the visit.
– Bruce
Great article, Bruce! Thanks for highlighting Habitat Charlotte, Julia’s and Alex; it’s an incredible organization with a very focused mission to have an impact on the Charlotte community and Alex is a great asset. I’ve enjoyed working for Habitat Charlotte for eight years now, and, yes, Julia’s is my favorite coffee shop, too!
Kat –
Thanks for all you do at Habitat. You are also an asset to our community with your music…what a gift.
I look forward to seeing you around Julia’s soon.
– Bruce
I live in a semi-rural community (Wilson, Wyoming) where it’s easy to go days, even weeks, without neighborly contact. For us, the social nexus is Pearl Street Bagels (our version of Julia’s) along with the Post Office and Hungry Jack’s general store. Spend a few minutes at those places, and you’ll run into everyone who isn’t actively hiding out. A sign of that is to notice how few people in the bagel shop are focused on a phone or iPad screen. Not many. With all the hellos and how-are-yous, you just can’t get away without talking face to face in… Read more »
Jeremy – Thank you for reading my story and for your comment. I looked at your link (your name in green above) to Everything is Never Clear Here. That is a great title for what I know will be a wonderful site. I will continue to read it and stay connected. The poetry is powerful. I would also like to use your sentence, “There are no answers here. Just stories. But stories carry in them a deep, unquestioning truth, if only we can see it.” Jeremy Schmidt –– Writer. That lines fits so much of our universe. I will stop… Read more »
I remember when the big question/debate at Habitat was about whether or not Habitat Charlotte and its Restore wanted to get into the coffee business. Frank Reed and other supporters worked tirelessly to put it together and it has proven to be a wonderful addition. Of all the coffee shops I know, Julia’s has the best atmosphere. It surely has something to do with the vibes given off by its clientele and staff. And don’t think just coffee, their small salad case is filled with yummies! Thanks for the article, Bruce!
Anna –
Yes, Choices Do Matter and Julia’s was a good choice for HFH. Thank you for the comment and for all of your tireless Habitat work in this country and in El Salvador. The world is a better place because of you. http://www.habitatelsalvador.org.sv/programas/proyectos-comunitarios/fortaleciendo-la-comunidad-getsemani/en
– Bruce