By LESLIE COLLINS
Northeast News
August 15, 2012

Dan Smith knew about Independence Avenue’s reputation – the drug deals, the prostitution, the questionable characters.

None of that deterred him from opening his first coffeehouse, Eleos Coffee, at 3401 Independence Ave. If anything, the character of Independence Avenue cemented the fact that it needed a coffeehouse.

For Smith, Eleos Coffee isn’t another Starbucks. It’s a relational coffeehouse with the motto “Great coffee… making a difference.”

“This all really came about because we want to make a bigger impact in the lives of people and really people that are needy,” Eleos Coffee Owner Dan Smith told Northeast News. “I just became very burdened for people that have not had the opportunities, that have been overlooked, that have been outcast. I wanted to do something that would be significant in their lives.”

Eleos Coffee volunteers have already sought out the homeless and distributed drawstring bags filled with hygiene products and non-perishable foods. Eleos also connects those in need to community resources, whether it be drug rehabilitation, counseling, employment opportunities or a homeless shelter. Eleos is striving to build relationships with individuals in the community, Smith said.

Each week, the coffeehouse hosts a Bible study and has also offered English as a Second Language (ESL) classes.

“It is a daily adventure,” Smith said of the coffeehouse which opened in October of 2011.

Eleos Coffee has gained attention from the Kansas City City Council, and members of the council recently asked Smith to speak about his coffeehouse during the city’s business session.

“There are a number of people I know who are very proud of what you’ve done,” City Council member Scott Wagner told Smith. “We need pioneers like Mr. Smith. That’s what’s going to make it happen on Independence Avenue, on Troost, on Prospect and everywhere else in the city.”

City Council member Jermaine Reed commended Smith on revamping the building.

“It looks a lot different than it used to,” Reed said.

Both City Council member Scott Taylor and Mayor Sly James thanked Smith for taking a chance on Independence Avenue and pioneering a business that’s focused on helping people.

“I heard you say that this is not just a coffeehouse. You’re doing things that help people in that community in ways that money can’t necessarily do,” James said. “You’re out there sticking your neck out and betting your money on not only your ability to run a business but to improve the condition of people’s lives. That’s the best thing you are doing. You deserve big pats on the back for that.”

Eleos Coffee

3401 Independence Ave.

•Offers coffee, smoothies, sandwiches, sides, pastries and more

•website: www.eleoscoffee.com

•Newest sandwich: The Big MO. – steak sandwich with pepper jack cheese, tomato and mayo

•Signature Sandwich: Turkey Jack Panini – turkey, lettuce, tomato, cranberry mayo spread, pepper jack cheese

•Northeast News’ Editor’s Favorite: Bosse Panini