Austin’s new way; Christian-based coffee shop opens for business
Published 10:41 am Friday, July 31, 2015
Pastor Rory Synoground makes a latte at The Way Cafe Thursday afternoon. The cafe is looking to become a place where people can come and enjoy a cup of coffee, food and live entertainment. — Photos by Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
The Way Cafe is putting a unique twist on nightlife in Austin.
The Christian-focused coffee shop opened three and a half weeks ago and offers young couples, college students, families and local residents a new place to hang out and enjoy food, live entertainment, and of course, coffee.
“It’s been slow, but we’re expecting it to pick up,” Pastor Raymond Tuck said. “We’re on track to see some great things happen.”
The Way coffeehouse offers a variety of different coffees and flavors along with baked goods and plenty of entertainment.
Instead of typical weekend activities, Tuck and Pastor Rory Synoground decided they wanted to give people an alternate way to spend their days and evenings.
“We want to offer something different that’s not going to bars or the movies,” Synoground said.
The cafe is part of the Freedom Event Center, which includes the International Fellowship Church.
The Way Cafe is located in the former home of The 1910. The Freedom Event Center, 210 Fourth Ave. NE, is the former El Parral and was once the Terp Ballroom. Synoground and Tuck purchased the property in April to create a Christian and entertainment center.
“The biggest thing is it’s not just what happens [at The Way Cafe],” Tuck said. “It’s the package deal.”
From what they’ve heard so far, people are enjoying the place.
Pastor Raymond Tuck prepares coffee for a customer Thursday afternoon.
“They’re loving it,” Synoground said. “We’ve gotten lots of positive feedback.”
So far, the cafe has hosted a couple karaoke nights and several performers. Two to three times a month, organizers plan to bring more special guests to perform, along with regular in-house musicians.
“We have a stage so we can have live music,” Synoground said. “It can be more than just a coffee shop.”
In the future, Synoground and Tuck hope to continue providing a safe atmosphere for many people to enjoy.
“We want to provide a place where families can come to have a safe place and not have to worry about the world,” Tuck said.
The cafe is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
“It’s encouraging, uplifting, and fun,” Synoground said.
