Located just a few minutes from Otterbein’s campus, Ethos & Co. Cafe presents a wide-ranging menu of drinks and snacks with a relaxing study space, all for a good cause. The cafe, which is supported by Ethos Church, donates all of its profits to local non-profit organizations. It boasts a menu with a variety of options such as coffee, smoothies, bowls and bakery items.
Cafe manager Clohe McMillen is passionate about both coffee and the opportunity to partner with charitable organizations. Formerly a Starbucks employee, McMillen immediately jumped on board at Ethos & Co., working there from its opening in September 2023.
“I love coffee shops in general. I was actually working evenings at Starbucks when I found out Ethos & Co. was opening through the church,” McMillen said. “I’m very passionate about community work. That’s always been where my heart is.”
All profits at Ethos & Co. are donated to local charitable non-profit organizations on a monthly rotation. February's beneficiary is Share Your Story. The organization was started in memory of the late Halle Temple, to support cancer patients and encourage hope and strength. Some of the other local organizations in the rotation are Out of Darkness, Star House and Alicia’s Closet.
Outside of their usual monthly donations, McMillen and the other staff are always looking to support organizations through other avenues.
“We’ve done collaborations with non-profits where they’ve held events or conferences at our cafe on the weekends,” McMillen said.
Though it is affiliated with Ethos Church, McMillen says all are welcome to enjoy the cafe.
“I do see a lot of customers from the church,” McMillen said. “But honestly we’ve had so many customers I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to meet had we not opened it. Even if someone is not comfortable attending our church on Sunday morning, they are welcome to join us for a cup of coffee and feel that they are doing direct good for the community.”
Presently, Ethos & Co. is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. McMillen said an official announcement will come in March, but they are planning on opening on Saturdays starting this spring. The shop is located at 6576 Africa Road in Westerville.
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