Coffee Mission with a

w“We had never owned our own business, or really even knew how to make a great cup of coffee for that matter, but we did know that we needed to make a plan to give our daughter hope and purpose after she graduated high school,” said Wendy Riggott, who along with her husband Keith, are the owners of Wander’n Calf Coffee Co. in Comfort.

“Cheyenne was born with unique needs, and for most of her life we have been on a very special journey as her parents to help our daughter achieve all that she is capable of. Along the way, we came to realize that we needed to switch our focus from what she couldn’t do, to what she could do,” added Wendy. “Cheyenne and I have always loved to bake together, and I really love coffee, so the idea of opening an espresso bar and bakery came naturally. Plus, Cheyenne thrives when she is around people, and a coffee shop would give her that social element that she longs for.”

And with that, a plan was made, Wendy took classes on how to create specialty coffees, and Wander’n Calf was born. According to Wendy, “It started out as a pop-up to get our feet wet, then we had a few locations in and around Boerne, but eventually we found our home here in Comfort.”

Located right on Front Street in Comfort, Wander’n Calf is just about the most picturesque, small town coffee shop you ever did see. Keith has put in tons of hard work to create a setting with the charm to match the energy of the ever-so-sweet Cheyenne. “This coffee shop and our customers

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by Lauren

Stumberg

photos by Megan Smart Photography have been so good for Cheyenne,” Wendy added. “The smile that it puts on her face just brightens the whole place.”

In fact, the Riggotts have witnessed Cheyenne blossom as she learns and grows. “She can’t do it all, but she can serve the customers, wash the dishes, help with the baking and it has been so rewarding to watch as she comes out of her shell and feels more confident because she is a part of something,” said Wendy.

As the Riggotts saw how much working in the coffee shop was helping their own daughter, they soon realized that there was an opportunity to be able to help other young adults with similar needs to Cheyenne. Currently Wander’n Calf employs four young adults, all who also have varying unique abilities. According to Wendy, “Having employees with special needs does continued from page 15 require extra work. It means additional staff and special training. It is important that we find just the right people who can work with and alongside these special individuals. They must be able to focus on their strengths, while at the same time not overlook their weaknesses. It is a lot of extra work, but seeing the incredible impact it has on the lives of our uniquely-abled employees makes it all worthwhile.”

However, the Riggotts know they have been blessed with some of the best employees who have come alongside them to make Wander’n Calf a success. They have a full-time baker, a full-time barista and their manager has been with them for six years now. “We are always looking for people who want to involved with our mission, but also love to make coffee,” laughed Wendy.

Wander’n Calf is proud of not only their purpose, but of the quality of the products they provide as well. They grind every cup of coffee fresh and it is locally roasted in small batches from a private roaster in San Antonio. Their baked goods are made from scratch and include many gluten free and dairy free options.

So what about the name? Why Wander’n Calf? “Any parent of a child with special needs is truly on a journey, navigating and advocating through every area of life; medical, social, and academic. It can be exhausting and lonely. For our family, it felt like we were wandering for years just trying to find a place to belong. The “Calf” refers to those with unique needs and represents their innocence and a need for guidance along their journey.” Wendy ended by saying, “Our goal is for Wander’n Calf to be a place where the community can get exceptional coffee, tea and sweets and where those who have been ‘wandering’ can feel like they have finally found a place to belong.”

WandernCalf.com

817 Front Street – Comfort

Tuesday-Friday 7am-2pm Saturday 8am-2pm Sunday/Monday CLOSED

Hot times call for cold drinks, and this one is sure to beat the Texas heat! Perfect for both kids and adults all summer long.

Recipe Makes Enough for Two Bowls

Ingredients

6 cups water

2 ½ cups sugar

2 packages (3 ounce) strawberry flavored gelatin

2/3 cup lemon juice

1 (46 ounce) pineapple juice

1 quart orange juice (no pulp)

2 bottles (2 liter) lemon-lime soda

Directions

1- In a large saucepan, bring water, sugar and gelatin to a boil – boil for 3 minutes.

2- Stir in lemon juice, orange juice and pineapple juice.

3- Separate the liquid into to containers and freeze.

4- When ready to serve, combine the frozen contents of one container with one bottle of lemon-lime soda in a punch bowl and stir.

Repeat these steps to refill your punch bowl with the remaining portions.