TopCity Rise April/May 2023 Issue #9

A WORD FROM THE TOPCITY RISE EDITOR

Linking arms and growing community together is essential for safeguarding our economy, and one of the best ways to do this is by supporting small businesses and nonprofits. Small businesses and nonprofits are the backbone of our economy, and they play a critical role in creating jobs, driving economic growth, and supporting Topeka. It is our mission and honor to share about Topeka's fantastic local businesses and nonprofits.

When we support small businesses and nonprofits, we are investing in our local economy and helping create a strong and sustainable future for all of us. By shopping at local businesses, we are keeping money in our community, which in turn helps to create jobs and stimulate growth. Additionally, small businesses and nonprofits often give back to the community through charitable giving and volunteer work, which helps to strengthen our communities and build a better future for all of us.

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to forget the importance of supporting our local businesses and nonprofits. But by making a conscious effort to shop and give locally, we can help create a strong and sustainable economy that benefits all of us. So let's all link arms and grow our community together by supporting small businesses and nonprofits.

Joy Comes in the Morning

Jack and Haley Hishmeh began roasting their own coffee beans with a little stove top roaster which requires you to circulate over a flame for about 11 minutes and only allows you to roast roughly a third of a pound of beans at one time. Learning to roast with a manual roaster taught them so much about how coffee is roasted. Reading books, watching videos, and taking an intensive class expanded this couple’s understanding of how to roast coffee with excellence and how to obtain specific flavors when roasting different coffees.

After a period of time, they upgraded their roaster to a 1kg roaster and sampled over 50 different coffees from various origins, processes, and varieties. Through the cupping process, they found flavors that they really enjoyed and wanted to share with others. They began inviting friends and family to try the coffee they roasted. Word quickly got out about their coffee which led Jack and Haley to consider pursuing a business.

Photos: Brendon Krueger

“For me, one of the simple joys in life is the craft and process behind making coffee. I can remember back in high school when I was convinced coffee was more than just a “cup of Joe”. Diving into the different ways to brew, trying different origins, and exploring different processes, it became clear to me that coffee has so much to offer if you take the time to embrace the process.” ~ Jack

Hishmeh

We are thrilled that this team decided to launch a coffee roasting company. You can definitely feel their passion for the craft and their heart for the community that coffee calls for.

Joylight is a micro-batch roaster, meaning they are able to pay close attention to the quality of each batch before and after the roast. This team closely inspects for defective beans and has a quality control system in place to ensure that everything is monitored consistently for each roasting process. They are also very passionate about educating others on the process of brewing. Sure, roasting plays a big part in the cup profile, but brewing coffee with care for the process and method can bring out a large portion of the flavors. One of the goals for their company is to provide resources for people interested in brewing delicious coffee from home. If you give them a follow on their website, you will see their blogs and informative posts about coffee roasting and brewing.

Are you wondering how the name of their business came about? We were too! “For us, coffee is something we look forward to waking up to each day. With the light of day, comes the joy of coffee. The name also derives from Scriptures in Psalm 30 where it says “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” The heart behind Joylight is to bring excitement and joy as we provide delicious coffee.”

What drives you during the difficult days?

“It helps that we have created our brand around the joy because it has helped frame how we go about our work. Also, we aim to offer a quality product because we’ve appreciated it as a consumer ourselves and that requires diligence and dependability.”

What does this business mean for you and your family?

“For us, this business means that we get to share our love for community, and specialty coffee with people around us. Additionally, this business takes a hobby we are already deeply invested into and moves us toward a lasting investment.”

What legacy do you hope to leave?

“Through the way that we manage our business, our hope is that it is evident that the work we do comes from our heart for God and others. We also hope to change the narrative behind coffee, celebrating the craft and process.”

Are you ready to give their coffee a try? You can order online at anytime with shipping and local delivery available. As they grow you will be able to find them at different locations around town but be sure to keep an eye out for them at the Downtown Topeka Farmers Market as they will be offering free samples and have whole bean coffee for sale.

joylightcoffee.com

jack@joylightcoffee.com

Downtown Topeka Culinary Tour

Have you ever wanted to travel the world, sampling the cuisines of different cultures, but don't have the time or resources to do so? Fear not, because in downtown Topeka, you can embark on a culinary journey around the globe without leaving the city limits.

Thanks to a diverse range of local restaurants, your tastebuds can experience the flavors of the Mediterranean at Olive Cafe, the spices of India at Globe Indian Food, the savory dishes of China at Golden Dragon, the bold flavors of Vietnam at 4 Guys Bistro, the hearty pub fare of Ireland at The Celtic Fox, and the authentic Mexican cuisine at Los Mandiles Rojos.

Olive Cafe

Let's start our journey by visiting Tony and his friendly team at the Olive Cafe. He brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to downtown Topeka. The ambiance of this restaurant is fresh and their private event space invites you in for a cultural experience. Their menu is full of dishes that showcase the diverse range of ingredients and flavors that define the Mediterranean quinine. From savory falafel and creamy hummus, to baklava and warbats, there is something for everyone at Olive Cafe. It's all delicious but the fresh pita bread, stuffed grape leaves and Greek Salad are a favorite here.

Globe Indian Food

Next, we head to Globe Indian Food, where you can experience the bold and spicy flavors of India. Globe Indian Food offers a range of classic Indian dishes like chicken tikka masala and butter chicken, as well as vegetarian and vegan options like mutter paneer and chana masala. Each dish is carefully crafted with a blend of spices that creates a unique and unforgettable flavor. Don't forget to get some fresh Naan to dip in all the sauces and wrap up the meal with their delicious mango ice cream or rice pudding!

The Celtic Fox

Then head over to The Celtic Fox Irish Pub and Restaurant, where you can indulge in hearty pub fare and authentic Irish dishes. From corned beef and cabbage, or Shepard's pie, to fish and chips, this Irish Pub offers a range of dishes that are sure to satisfy your hunger and your tastebuds. And don't forget to wash it down with a pint of Guinness or a glass of Jameson Irish whiskey.

Make sure you give them a follow as they regularly have bands performing and festivals throughout the year!

4 Guys Bistro

At 4 Guys Bistro, you can taste the flavorful dishes of Vietnam. From classic pho to spring rolls, 4 Guys Bistro offers a variety of dishes that showcase a diverse range of ingredients and flavors that define Vietnamese cuisine. They also have a variety of dishes that have a Vietnam fusion.

Each dish is prepared with fresh herbs, spices, and ingredients that create a flavor profile that is delicious and unique.

Golden Dragon

Now it's time to explore the cuisine of China at Golden Dragon. Their menu features a range of traditional dishes like Kung Pao chicken, Mongolian beef, and sweet and sour pork.

Each dish is expertly prepared with fresh ingredients and bold flavors that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Beijing.

Los Mandiles Rojos

Finally, we end our journey at Los Mandiles Rojos, where you can taste the authentic flavors of Mexico. Make sure you start off your meal with some delicious Choriqueso while you glance over the menu with everything from Birria Machete to Huaraches and sopes. Los Mandiles Rojos offers a range of dishes that showcase an array of ingredients and flavors that define Mexican cuisine. Of course, you are going to want to grab one of their traditional drinks, margaritas seem to be a fan favorite. Each dish is prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional spices that create a flavor profile that is uniquely Mexican. Don’t forget dessert! Grab a Churro cup! Yum!

Get to downtown Topeka soon and check out the large variety of local restaurants that allow you to experience the flavors of different cultures without leaving the city limits. From the bold and spicy flavors of India to the hearty pub fare of Ireland, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So why not embark on a culinary journey around the globe and let your tastebuds do the traveling? We’ll see you downtown!

We

by lifting others.

~ Robert Ingersoll

Hop Down the Easter Trail

Easter is right around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about what goodies to fill your Easter baskets with. Sure, you could head to the big box stores and grab some generic, massproduced items, but where’s the fun in that? Plus, you’ll miss out on the chance to support your local businesses and contribute to your community. So, put on your Easter bunny ears and get ready to hop on over to your neighborhood shops for some egg-cellent Easter egg fillers and basket goodies.

One of the best things about shopping local is the unique and creative items you’ll find. Forget about the boring plastic eggs and stale chocolate bunnies. Local shops offer a variety of handmade treats, from artisanal chocolates to gourmet popcorn. And what kiddo wouldn’t want to receive a basket perfectly curated by you, the “Easter Bunny” with locally sourced treats, a snuggly stuffed bunny, games, crafts or even bottled sodas?

But shopping local isn’t just about the goods. It’s about the experience. You’ll get to explore your community and discover new businesses you may not have known about. Plus, you’ll be supporting the hardworking entrepreneurs who make our town special.

So, this Easter, ditch the big box stores and hop on over to your local shops. Not only will you find some fantastic Easter egg fillers and basket goodies, but you’ll also be supporting your community and having a hoppin’ good time!

Here are a few businesses we think you'll love:

Cashmere Popcorn

728 S Kansas Ave

Here you be able to find a snack bag size of gourmet popcorn perfect filling Easter baskets! Also, if you are looking for more egg filler options popcorn is a great addition!

Ember and Spruce

Emberandspruce.com

This local creator has a fantastic alternative to candy for egg fillers! These experience style Easter tokens are full of sweet and fun ideas to create lasting memories with your family!

Hazel Hill Chocolate 724 S Kansas Ave

What is an Easter basket without a little chocolate?! These chocolatiers have several treats from traditional chocolate bunnies to chocolate dipped peeps!

The Toy Store

5300 SW 21st St

This fantastic store is full of several toys perfect for any size basket! Stuffed animals of all sizes, toys and games perfect for any ages and of course some traditional sweets to put in baskets as well!

Toot Sweet

919 N Kansas Ave

This vintage style candy shop has boxed candy and bottles of soda great to fill baskets as well as many different candies perfect for filling eggs!

Paper June 927 N Kansas Ave

What’s Easter without a sweet story book?

Paper June has a fantastic selection of children’s books, gifts, crafts, puzzles and so much more!

Sweets of Yesteryear

Residents and visitors of Topeka now have a new treat to indulge in as a small candy store specializing in retro candies, just opened this spring. The store aims to bring back memories of yesteryear, with a unique vintage selection of sweets, which allows customers to mix and match candies from different eras and satisfy their own unique desires. This store is the only local vintage candy shop, which is located in the North Topeka Art District, with retro decor taking you back in time.

The name Toot Sweet, was inspired by the song Chitty Chitty Bang Bang sung by Dick Van Dyke. The owners have always had a passion for candy and vintage items. There had been a gap in the market for a candy store that specialized in retro candies, and we are thrilled someone decided to create this new store to fill that gap. With a long history in business and entrepreneurship and a love for candy, these owners have poured their heart and soul into creating a unique candy store that will appeal to all ages.

The store stocked a wide range of retro candies, including classics such as soda pop gummies, taffy, and Charleston Chews. There will also be some imported candies from around the world, allowing customers to try new treats from different cultures. Each of these candies have been hand selected, ensuring that each one is delicious and true to its era. If you visit soon, be sure to stop in again soon because more items are hitting the shelves each week.

The highlight of the store is the treat bag building station, which allows customers to choose from a variety of candies and create their own personalized treat bag. Customers can mix and match candies from different eras to create a bag that is unique to them. This feature is perfect for those who want to relive their childhood memories or for those who want to try new candies that they may have missed out on in the past.

The retro decor of the store is another unique feature that will transport customers back in time. The store will have a 1950s vibe, with vintage candy advertisements and retro style containers. The atmosphere of the store is warm and inviting, with the scent of candy in the air, making it a great place to spend time with friends and family and sure to be the hit spot for all First Friday Art Walks. This just might be the cutest spot for a photoshoot for couples, Sweet sixteens and so much more.

In addition to the retro candies, they have a variety of soda pop bottles that bring back all the memories of hot summer days. The store just added an ice cream reach-in for novelties and already have scooped containers available from local ice cream shop, The Sweet Tee. They will have more novelties arriving soon so it will give you another reason to come back to the store and indulge in another favorite treat like, ice cream sandwiches, fudgsicles, and ice cream bars.

The Toot Sweet is set to become a must-visit destination for anyone with a sweet tooth. With a focus on retro candies, a unique treat bag building station, and a vintage atmosphere, the store promises to be a hit with locals and visitors alike. The store will continue to offer new and exciting treats for customers to enjoy.

Make sure you give them a follow, on Facebook and Instagram! The shop hours will be 11am-7pm Tuesday thru Saturday and later for some of the NOTO events.

As if that isn't enough, they are creating a workstation for busy folks to make treat bags for occasions, parties, etc. with bags, boxes, ribbons etc.

Well see you there!

By: Lesleigh Hodam

Have you been keeping an eye on the digital trends and how your Facebook page could help assist in raising your business closer to the top of Google searches? Social SEO is a newer practice that is a cost-efficient marketing tool helping small businesses reach new heights. Facebook SEO refers to the optimization of Facebook pages and content for search engines to improve their visibility and ranking in search results. It is an essential part of digital marketing that helps businesses increase their online presence and reach a wider audience.

The benefits of Facebook SEO are many. Firstly, it helps businesses attract more traffic to their Facebook pages, which can ultimately lead to increased engagement, brand awareness, and sales. Secondly, it allows businesses to target specific keywords and phrases, which can help them rank higher in search results for those terms. Thirdly, Facebook SEO can also positively impact a business's Google SEO by improving the overall authority and relevance of the brand's online presence.

To understand how Facebook SEO works with Google SEO, it's essential to note that search engines look at a wide range of factors to determine a page's relevance and authority. These factors include content quality, keywords, user engagement, backlinks, and social signals. Facebook SEO plays a crucial role in this equation by providing valuable social signals that search engines use to measure a page's popularity and authority.

Facebook SEO is an important component of any business's digital marketing strategy. By optimizing your Facebook page and content for search engines, businesses can attract more traffic, increase engagement, and ultimately improve your online visibility and authority. Also, by aligning your Facebook SEO efforts with your Google SEO, businesses can achieve even better results and further enhance your online presence.

If you aren’t sure where to begin, feel free to reach out topcityrise@gmail.com.

Is Your Digital Presence on the Rise? ONBUSINESS ONBUSINESS

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?’ “

~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.