Two years ago, the Weeping Water FFA Chapter took a chance at starting something that would benefit students and community members alike: a school-based coffee shop. The chapter received a grant from the Nebraska FFA Foundation that made it possible to take this idea from a concept to reality. Weeping Water FFA Advisor Krystl Knabe says the goal was to give students hands-on, real-world business experience, while also serving the community. Thus, Limestone Coffee Co. was launched.
With the grant funding, Weeping Water FFA was able to purchase a trailer to house and operate the business, effectively offering a mobile coffee shop. Since this initial purchase, business has flourished, allowing students to purchase an espresso machine, team shirts, an industrial ice maker, and point-of-sale equipment. Using the trailer gives the business the flexibility to travel. Students have set up shop at community events, county fairs, festivals, sporting events, and even private bookings. Some of these events bring in thousands of dollars, which are used to support chapter activities, such as team members’ travel to National Convention, leadership conferences, and even the cost of members’ official dress.
Every morning before school, the team opens the trailer in a church parking lot near the school offering students, teachers, and community members a variety of coffee drinks, energy drink infusions, flavored lemonades, dirty sodas, and seasonal specials. There’s even an option for delivery service within town if orders are placed through the business’ mobile app.
The heart of Limestone Coffee Co. lies in its student leadership. They take ownership of every part of the business, from scheduling and placing supply orders, to training new team members and tracking finances. To join the team, students must interview and demonstrate responsibility, as well as high levels of competency in all aspects of running the coffee trailer. Several team members also use the school-based enterprise as their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project. As the advisor, Knabe says she intentionally plays a small role in the business.
“My job is mainly oversight, answering technology questions, and transportation,” Knabe explains. “The rest is up to the student team.”
She affirms there is never a shortage of engagement from the FFA members, and they are all constantly innovating–dreaming up new drink ideas and finding creative ways to grow the business.
Coffee itself has historically played a significant role in bringing people together, with coffee shops often serving as social hubs within communities, fostering conversations and building connections among neighbors and friends. The Limestone Coffee Co. is no different.
According to Knabe, the impact of the school-based enterprise goes well beyond the students and classroom. The business has become a beloved staple at local events and a source of pride for the community of Weeping Water. Knabe explains how the venture has helped strengthen the relationship between the school and community and has given students valuable experience in leadership, accountability, customer service, finance, marketing, and time management.
“It’s not just coffee,” says Knabe. “It’s an experience that students and the community look forward to.”
