About 20 minutes from California Baptist University, The Grove Community Church served as a home church for many students. Within the church, the Hub Cafe and Coffee Bar gave coffee lovers a place to enjoy a latte and experience the presence of the Lord.
With many coffee shops in the Riverside area, The Hub set itself apart by creating a space rooted in community and connection with a faith-centered foundation. The cafe became an extension of the church’s mission and fostered relationships in a relaxed and accessible setting.
Cindy Eason, manager of Hub Cafe and Coffee Bar, explained how the cafe first came to life.
“The Hub Cafe and Coffee Bar was created for connection. As part of The Grove Community Church, the vision for The Hub was a place for connection and fellowship, where you can grab a great cup of coffee with a friend, study, have a meeting, get some work done or enjoy time with family,” Eason said.
Visitors experienced transformation through the caring, faith-driven nature of each worker. Customers not only enjoyed their favorite drink but also experienced the Holy Spirit through those they met at The Hub. Beyond preparing beverages, baristas took time to care for others and even prayed for customers.
Workers’ love for the Lord created a place where people felt seen and loved when they came for a drink or food item at The Hub. Evelyn Melgoza, senior graphic design and visual experience major and a barista for The Hub, experienced the presence of the Lord through regular customers.
“We have a regular on Saturday and her name is Penny and as she is walking to the coffee bar, we have her hot chocolate with whipped cream ready for her as she approaches the register. In conversation, I have learned she drives the coolest car, a bright blue Dodge and another thing is how much she loves,” Melgoza said. “She shows her love of Christ by how she talks about her family, specifically her grandchildren, always sharing a story about them doing something and how she cares for us as well. This Valentine’s Day, she brought us a huge bag filled with chocolates and a letter for all the baristas here. Penny embodies the fruits of the spirit in love.”
Having a coffee shop located within a church set The Hub apart from other local coffee shops. The shop not only offered drinks and food but also provided an opportunity for people to experience the love of God for the first time.
Emma Shields, sophomore nursing major, works at The Hub and said its location within a church made it a special place for many.
“I think what makes The Hub so special is that we are centered in the middle of a church. We are God-centered. Getting to serve people on their way into service is such a blessing,” Shields said.
Beyond employees, The Hub relied on many volunteers who shaped the coffee shop.
“In addition to our staff, we could not do what we do without our amazing volunteers. We have an incredible team of volunteers that serve in so many ways and range in age from 11 to 80 plus years old. It’s definitely something that sets us apart from other coffee shops. It gives people a place to serve the community and provides youth work real-world work experience,” Eason said.
As more coffee shops open in Riverside, The Hub remains grounded in its original purpose as a space for faith-based connection. With caring staff, committed volunteers and a faith-centered mission, the coffee shop offered more than drinks: it offered community.
