Mike Baughman, Executive Director and Community Curator of Union Coffee
Please tell us about your role at Union Coffee:
Just as a museum curator takes works of art and puts them together to strengthen the individual pieces, I bring together businesses in and around Union Coffee to strengthen the community.
When did you move your business into the PID:
We opened on November 16, 2012.
Your business has a great cause, please share with us what Union Coffee is about:
Union Coffee converts the typical coffee shop model into a hub of generosity for the neighborhood. We dedicate 10% of all coffee sales to area non-profits in the hope we can inspire our customer to be more generous. And every four months, we adopt a new cause by raising funds, awareness and engagement. We consistently support Stonewall Jackson Elementary, Southern Methodist University and a project called Capes 4 Kids that puts superhero capes on the backs of children with chronic diseases. At Union Coffee, we try to build connections to mobilize our community for good.
How has the neighborhood changed since Union Coffee opened:
More businesses and residential developments are moving into the neighborhood -- and we love it. There is a culture of cooperation rather than competition in University Crossing. We are eager to develop creative partnerships and exchange other ways we can support the businesses around us.
You host unique events at the Union, which event is your favorite:
I love The Naked Stage on Fridays. It is an uncensored story-telling and spoken-word, poetry stage where people tell their stories without notes, props or microphones. It's a great opportunity for people in our neighborhood to hear each others stories, learn about the incredible work of area non-profits, laugh, be inspired and connect with other people.
