CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — A new small and woman-owned coffee shop, Affinity Café, has recently opened its doors in Franklin County, and it's bringing much more than just a caffeine fix to the community. Offering a variety of coffee, sandwiches, and more, the café is making a positive impact on its patrons.
"Nothing makes you feel better than a baked good and a great cup of coffee," said Mindy Danzberger, the owner of Affinity Café.
Inspired by her own experiences, Mindy is not only serving up coffee but also serving up inspiration and encouragement through positive words and affirmations displayed throughout the café.
"I want people to leave Affinity feeling like they're gonna accomplish anything," said Danzberger.
Mindy's personal journey through addiction and recovery has fueled her desire to encourage others. Having overcome her own struggles with addiction, she aims to inspire others through the quotes on the cafe's walls, serving as a constant reminder that they too can overcome similar challenges.
"I know what it's like to have to push through every single day to get somewhere, and now sometimes you need to feel not alone," said Danzberger.
Patrons are invited to sign and date a "Warrior Wall" in the cafe, symbolizing strength and perseverance to inspire others on their own journeys.
"One of the biggest things to get me through recovery was other people telling me their stories and seeing them be successful," Mindy reflected. "Just knowing that other people didn't give up was enough to keep going."
Affinity Café is not just a place to grab a cup of coffee; Danzeberger said it's a beacon of hope and positivity in the community, reminding everyone to keep going and never give up.
"You can tell when someone is upset, so we offer a smile and a 'have a great day' on the side of their coffee," Mindy explained. "It's just those little things that you don't have to expose people and ask if they're struggling; you just make them smile."
Whether it's being woman-owned, a small business, or starting a recovery journey, Affinity Café stands as a testament to resilience and the courage to keep going.
"Whether it's sobriety or a goal, you have to try because the biggest thing to hold us back is the fear of failing," Mindy emphasized. "If I don't try, then I do fail because I didn't even give it a shot. So, you've got to grit it, work for it definitely, but just not stop."