Beyond the beverage

Running a cafe was not always the career path Rachael Jones pursued, but now she owns and runs Rachael’s Cafe, located on the southeast corner of Third and Lincoln streets. As a transgender individual, Jones had tired of work as a salesperson – a position that forced her to hide her true identity. After getting discouraged in attempts to find work available to her as Rachael, Jones identity when dressing in women’s clothes, the option of starting a brand new restaurant piqued her interest.\nThe restaurant, which opened in January, is an inviting open space with one large room complete with couches and stylish tables. An earthy color scheme is warmed by the natural light entering the quiet cafe through large windows built into two of its walls.\n“Rachael’s Cafe grew out of a desire to create a friendly, inclusive, peaceful atmosphere for all,” reads a copy of the mission statement available at the cafe. “Our mission is to bring understanding, education and acceptance over a cup of coffee.”\nSo far, the restaurant’s customers have lived up to the ideals on which Rachael’s Cafe was founded. \n“Customer support has completely come out of the woodworks,” said Natalie O’Neal, a recent IU graduate and one of a handful of employees and volunteers currently helping run the cafe.\nWhile business was slow at first because of cold temperatures, it has been picking up.\n“So many people, I think, have passed the word,” Jones said. “We’re starting to get busy.” \nThe building’s completion relied on the help of Jones’ friends, with acquaintances contributing time to help decorate or wire the building’s electricity, among other tasks. Since its opening a few weeks ago, customers have made a point to put their own personal touches on the restaurant, contributing small items like candles or newspapers. Customers have also brought friends in to enjoy the cafe.\n“It seems like this place has been built on overwhelming support for what Rachael is doing,” O’Neal said.\nWhile the cafe has been up and running for a few weeks, its exact identity is still in flux. The menu is a work in progress, and new recipes are introduced almost daily. \n“I lean healthy,” Jones said of the evolving menu. Her goal is to eventually make a rotating assortment of homemade soups, salads and ethnic dishes that would complement staples like deli sandwiches and pastries, Jones said.\nIn the future, Jones plans to host a variety of events at the restaurant, using it as a setting for cultural dialogues or educational discussions on topics as varied as architecture and gender issues. \n“I want the Buddhist and the Baptist and the Republican and the Green Party and everybody in between,” Jones said about the restaurant’s ideal patron. “The only rule is ‘be nice.’”