Point Douglas takes much-needed coffee break

When Christine Shuwera decided to open a business in her new neighbourhood of Point Douglas, she didn’t concentrate too much on the things she wanted to sell. Her focus was on the things it wouldn’t offer.

“I wanted to open up something that didn’t involve alcohol or gambling,” said Shuwera, who bought a house in the neighbourhood five years ago, and always lamented the lack of a “comfy, cozy place to have a cup of coffee.”

So Shuwera decided to take matters into her own hands, opening Willow’s Coffee House last November on Sutherland Avenue between McFarlane and Annabella streets in the rapidly recovering neighbourhood.

Since opening, the community’s response to Willow’s has been overwhelming, Shuwera said.

“People are amazed by the atmosphere,” she said. “They don’t expect this in this community.”

As it turns out, many Point Douglas residents shared Shuwera’s desire for a family-friendly establishment that didn’t involve drinking. Her day job at Winnipeg Child and Family Services has exposed her to many families negatively affected by alcohol.

“There are plenty of establishments out there (that allow drinking),” Shuwera said. “There needs to be a fun place where people can enjoy a night out that doesn’t involve that.”

Adding to the warm ambiance in Willow’s is the artwork on the walls, all of which comes from local artists. Shuwera is happy to display the work and sell it for the artists without taking any commission.

“I get enough benefit out of it just by having it on my walls,” she said. “I’ve been able to sell a lot of stuff so far.”

Sel Burrows, chair of the Point Douglas Residents Committee, has one of those works on his wall at home: a painting by local artist Teddy Head.

“Spectacular,” is how Burrows describes Willow’s. “This is what we need more of. There are three restaurants in the community now, and Willow’s is sort of the crowning glory.”

Burrows said his committee has been trying for years to find an entrepreneur willing to do what Shuwera has done.

The coffee house is open late on Fridays and Saturday, with live entertainment whenever Shuwera is able to book an act. She’s also thinking about adding karaoke on Thursdays, and, due to popular demand, will start opening on Sundays.

“Anybody who plays any sort of music, sings, plays an instrument is welcome,” she said. “I’m open to everything and anything.”

Karie Tobacco-Champagne is one of two Willow’s employees, both of whom are members of the local community. She said that Willow’s has established a base of regular customers who are eager to support such a vital neighbourhood business.

“Everyone is happy to be here,” she said. “All the homemade soups and sandwiches and the beef stew have been pretty popular.”

Shuwera summed up the coffee house’s approach to its meals in one simple sentence: “You won’t leave this place hungry.”