Patti Griffin is fueling downtown

by Main Street Square

Whether it’s splashing in the fountains or skating on the ice rink, no experience at Main Street Square is complete without a treat from Alternative Fuel. Fresh smoothies, coffee shop favorites, and a variety of fresh, baked goods can be found in this staple shop.

And while locals may be familiar with their menu, many may not know about the good they are serving up behind the counter.

Patti Griffin purchased Alternative Fuel in November 2018 and has been hard at work adapting to challenges and making the business her own. “I had never owned a business before so working through the normal hurdles of owning a business as well as a pandemic were tough,” she said, “but I always rely on my faith and family to help me through.”

Alternative Fuel owner Patti Griffin serves up a iced tea at the downtown shop.

by Andy Greenman

As a locally-owned business, it’s especially important to Patti to support local businesses. Outside the shop you’ll see signs that were the result of beautiful calligraphy by Megan at Firehouse Brewing Company. Simpsons Printing provided the printing.

And it doesn’t get much more local than the produce! Many of the fresh fruits and vegetables come from Patti’s garden. The springtime salads and sandwiches feature spinach and lettuce she grew. And in the fall smoothies may have carrots or apples. “I feed my family first,” Patti said, laughing. “But anything my family doesn’t eat comes to the shop. Really this is my second family.”

Alternative Fuel has also partnered with another local business in the community: Black Hills Works. Project Skills is a paid work experience program they facilitate for high school students with disabilities. It provides students with opportunities to learn different employment skills in a variety of job placements.

This past spring semester Griffin had hired a young woman, Serenity, through the Project Skills Program. Serenity is visually impaired so there were some simple accommodations to make so she could be successful. “We added braille to our register and staff areas to help Serenity be more comfortable in her work environment and those changes will be here forever,” Griffin explained.

“We all have a story,” Patti said as she reflected on her experience hiring and working with the students. “It’s amazing to find individuals that are unique, no matter how. It is great to watch anyone succeed, especially those that have to fight harder to succeed, everyone deserves and opportunity to be successful.” ▤