NICHOLAS COUNTY – Two years ago, ProStart/Culinary Teacher Beth Goette received a grant to buy a small roaster for her class at Nicholas County Career and Technical Center. She then was awarded another grant to purchase a bigger roaster capable of roasting enough beans for a coffee shop and for selling retail. Beth wanted to provide her students with an opportunity to learn entry-level skills that were beyond fast-food. Moreover, the coffee shop provides a way to combine the art and skills of the kitchen with the hospitality and customer service that is needed for a successful barista.

All aspects of the coffee shop are run by teachers and students. Beth’s students roast the beans, bake the food, and work in the coffee shop. The accounting, budgeting, and marketing of the coffee shop is managed by Tanya Cooper, business teacher and her class. Additionally, English Teacher Debra Cline has helped Beth throughout the entire process. There are currently 35-40 students in the program. The programs involved in creating Good Gauley Coffee Company include the following: ProStart, Graphic Design, Business, Electric and Carpentry. All profits go directly back to the school’s programs.