Dallastown's Common Grounds Café gives students an opportunity to run their own business

Just beside Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Dallastown stands Common Grounds Café.

It started as a volunteer-led ministry and evolved into an opportunity to provide students firsthand, real-life experience in running a business.

The café, which is entirely student-run, operates during school hours. You’re greeted by Dallastown Area High School students who each share a task.

One student takes your order, several are behind the coffee bar, some even work in the kitchen downstairs where they are hard at work, preparing lunches, cooking soup – they even bake desserts which are later sold in the café.

This student-run coffee shop was the product of a partnership between the high school’s REACH program and the church, which began two years ago.

Cassie Gardner, a transition education teacher at Dallastown, is behind the counter, supporting the students as they work. “Seeing them thriving and happy, and the growth that I get to see is really special,” she said.

Mary is one of those students.

She has worked at the café since the program began, and said she enjoys everything about the job, understandably, except the dishes, she joked.

Tara Gonsalves, a transition and instruction coordinator at the high school, said the students have an opportunity to further sharpen their work ethic, as well as social and interpersonal skills through the program.

In addition to making coffee, fulfilling orders, interacting with customers and cooking, she said the students also learn about product management, ordering, tracking sales, developing menu items and more. The students keep a tidy inventory room, stocked with cups and containers. It's even equipped with a washing machine and dryer, which is used to wash their uniforms.

“We’ve seen a lot of students come out of their shells and flourish because they feel valued – they feel like they have purpose in serving the community that has served them for so long.”

A pitcher of cash sitting in front of the register resembles a tip jar but proceeds actually go towards community activities and treats for the student workers. Last year, the students used their earnings to visit Hersheypark, and hope to go again this year.

Since the program started, some of the students began roles in the retail and food industries, taking the skills they learned with them.

“The biggest hope is a transition for our students from school to employment and being independent within the community," said Brett Frey, Dallastown Area School District director.

Here's what you should try

Nut Berry Chicken Salad Sandwich: This unconventional version of chicken salad gets raves from customers. It combines homemade chicken salad with assorted nuts, berries, greens and honey on a croissant. Served with a bag of chips, this $6 lunch is a delicious deal.

Granny Hammy: You know the York Fair sandwiches you can only get once a year? Well, you can enjoy them all year round at Common Grounds Café. Made with Godfrey Bros meat and cheese, the $6 sandwich includes granny smith apple, fresh greens and honey mustard on a roll.

Linda's Shot in the Dark Latte: Dedicated to one of the church secretaries who led the café, this $3 latte is made with mocha sauce, milk and whipped cream.

Common Grounds Café is located at 109 E. Main St., Dallastown, and is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parking is available behind the church.

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Common Grounds Café allows Dallastown PA students to run a business