On a Thursday afternoon, Drew Johnson, co-owner of Waynesburg Coffee Company, is behind the counter. Behind a glass case and an assortment of brightly colored gelato, he balances a phone between his ear and shoulder, ordering more coffee beans while he gives his 2-week-old son a bottle.

Waynesburg’s newest hangout opened Aug. 16, with the vision of a traditional coffeehouse vibe; but Co-Owners Drew and Laura Johnson have hopes for it to be more than just another coffee shop.

“We want somewhere local where everybody knows your name, and people are comfortable coming here,” said Laura Johnson. “And [to] be here for anybody that needs us, as well.”

For Waynesburg Coffee Company, one of the ways this comes into effect is a prayer board, where customers and community members can write anything that troubles them, anything they normally wouldn’t ask for.

“We were hoping that led into kind of helping the community improve itself, however that may be,” said Drew Johnson. “I just think Waynesburg could use some more positivity like that.”

Keeping the business focused on community is part of Waynesburg Coffee Company’s entire business model—with the gelato and coffee beans each coming from small businesses in nearby Washington, Pennsylvania.

“We’re trying to keep things local, you know,” said Drew Johnson. “We’re trying to include other businesses, do things that help other businesses thrive.”

Coincidentally, Waynesburg Coffee Company’s opening comes just shortly after another local coffee shop, Carlisle’s Coffee and Sandwiches, permanently closed its doors. According to Drew Johnson, the two shops would not have been competitors – they would have helped each other, in the spirit of community. In fact, Drew had wanted to be involved with Carlisle’s when it first opened, which only fueled his long-time dream of owning his own coffee shop.

“I had been wanting to start a coffee shop for a few years…and I had worked for Starbucks in the past,” said Drew Johnson. “And I had wanted to recommend some things to Carlisle’s when it first came along – I was really excited about it – and [Laura] said to me, ‘Well, why don’t you just start your own?’”

Originally a singer-songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee, Drew Johnson said he drew a lot of inspiration from local shops and from his time working at the major coffee chain.

“We’re very similar to what Starbucks would offer, but in a fresher and more specialized capacity,” he said. “Like for instance, the gelato…just trying new things, having a more diverse and eclectic menu.”

Laura Johnson added, “They’re corporate, we’re local.”

The co-owners are making plans to extend their hours, which are currently Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., within the next three weeks, and are initiating some special events—including live music, trivia and vintage video games. Waynesburg Coffee Company also has a loyalty program, similar to a digital punch card, that the Johnsons hope to introduce to students.

“We would really like the feedback from the students,” said Laura Johnson. “You know, what days would they like [to stay open later]? What would they like to see?”

As Waynesburg University students adjust to their schedules, the Johnsons are anticipating an increase in customers and business. They are already beginning to see the prayer board fill.