What once started as portable carts used to sell baked goods and drinks outside of room 118 has turned into something more permanent only a year later.
Cafe 118, named for it’s original location outside room 118, quickly became the Starbucks of Shaler Area every Thursday and Friday morning periods 1-4.
Shaler Area staff members – life skills teacher Mrs. Gina Chmielewski and speech pathologist Ms. Christin Pintar wanted to create an opportunity for the life skills students that would benefit them in many ways.
“We have been anxious to start the cafe for many years. We wanted to create an opportunity for our students to have practical work experience, learn social skills, be with their peers, and also to raise a little bit of money, so that we could buy some equipment and necessary things for the classroom,” Ms. Pintar said.
As it turns out, the cafe has been exceeded all expectations. On average the cafe makes around $750 a day.
“We originally started because we needed to get a tricycle,” Ms. Pintar said.
Making so much money, the cafe decided to make donations to Shaler Area student groups and organizations as well as saving some funds for the future.
“We donate to class funds and student groups. Sometimes, students will raffle off a gift basket, and we’ll make a donation to them,” Ms. Pintar said. “We also are saving some of our money to put towards the fixtures and things that we need.”
“We felt strongly about contributing back to student organizations to show our appreciation to the student body,” Mrs. Chmielewski said.
Cafe 118 has donated to dozens of organizations and activities that have benefited SAHS students.
Not only is the cafe benefiting the many aspects of the school, but the support has been strong and success has been remarkable. Students and staff love Cafe 118 and make it their spot for a pick-me-up at the in mornings at the end of the week.
“We thought it would mostly be benefiting our life skills students and our special needs students. We didn’t realize how much it became a community connection. We are so well supported by the students, the staff, and principals. We are very happy with the success of the program,” Pintar said.
Being open for four periods on Thursdays and Fridays calls for lots of work. Students during their study halls can help out with baking, bagging goods, or being a barista buddy for the baristas by picking up a volunteer shift.
Originally located on carts in the basement in the art hallway during the 2023 school year, the cafe is now a permanent addition to the library.
“We’re working on making it even more permanent with getting better fixtures,” Pintar said. “We want to get cabinetry, so it looks like a built in meaningful location.”
Having this much success with only being open for four years is more than anyone anticiapted.
“We always envisioned a place where people could sit and enjoy their drinks or enjoy being with each other,” Pintar said. “That’s what we wanted, the community connection.”
Even with the location change from the basement to the library, the menu has not changed.
“We’ve pretty much kept to our original plan. We have a very simple streamlined menu that seems to work really well,” Ms. Pintar said. “It’s pretty easy for new students to adjust and hop right in.”
One of the main benefits for the students involved is that they learn work and social skills. The baristas get to meet new people with the café constantly being busy, creating new connections with everyone.
“I like to talk to customers when I’m selling some of the treats and drinks,” senior Kevin Jansen said. “I’ve been helpful, which is always good. It’s important to be helpful in different circumstances.”
Being a senior, Kevin has been helping out since Cafe 118 was established. but even the underclassmen who are involved get acclimated quickly to what Cafe 118 is all about.
“This is my second year at the café. Last year was a learning year, but this year, I’m really starting to get it,” sophomore Jimmy Spagnolo said. “I love serving drinks. I love doing all that. It’s just awesome to see people.”
