By Nancy Price
Toni and Dan Carr, owners of Center Grove coffee shop Strange Brew, think of their staff and customers as family. When anyone enters the shop, they must wear a mask to protect themselves and those around them.
Unfortunately, a recent customer, angry after being told she was required to wear a mask when placing an order inside, decided to take revenge by posting a negative review with a false claim.
“After she flipped us off a review appeared saying that her drink was spat in (she never ordered a drink) because she wouldn’t wear a mask,” said Toni. “We decided that if someone was going to drag us down, we would try to life someone else up. It’s one of our polices.”
local nonprofits. (Submitted photos)
Toni and Dan are selling mugs to the public, with proceeds going toward three local nonprofits. The owners decided to add humor to the situation. Some of the mugs for sale have a message: “Spit free since 2005.” (The Carrs have owned Strange Brew since 2005.)
The mugs can be purchased in the store or online at strangebrewcoffee.com. “We can also ship them,” said Toni.
Funds from sales will go to FACE Low-Cost Animal Clinic on the Southside of Indianapolis, the Humane Society of Johnson County and Indianapolis-based School on Wheels. Toni said she and Dan decided to donate proceeds to FACE because they adopted their cat Masher (who recently died) from the clinic. The animal lovers also chose the Humane Society. “School on Wheels (was chosen) because one of our customers, Keira Perkins, volunteers with them and has been talking about how much they are struggling in the pandemic,” said Toni.
Strange Brew, known for its fun and quirky atmosphere, is selling a few original holiday drinks that are popular with the public. “We are currently offering a ‘Christmas Carol’ which is Earl Grey tea and vanilla, topped with steamed eggnog,” said Toni. “Our chai is very popular, and made in house, so you can’t get it anywhere else!”
