Pine Ridge Coffee Entrepreneur
Running the shop are (from left) Belva Matthews,
Maureen McFarland and Marsha Bonfleur.
I had some time to kill in Pine Ridge late on Monday afternoon, so I looked around town and saw a little red building with bear tracks painted on it. It's called Higher Ground, a yuppie-like coffee shop on the rez of all places.
The founder is Belva Matthews (shown at left). She learned the coffee shop business as a regular customer in the Twin Cities of Minnesota while attending college. Higher Ground developed when she noticed that people really appreciated a tiny coffee shop that was started for fellowship in a local church.
She's been successful for two years even though she insists there's no business plan. "It's mostly a place to inspire hope in the people, and to encourage them and show them God's love," she said. Thus the name, Higher Ground.
Now 41, she grew up just two blocks away and came back as a teacher in 1995. Belva has a small staff, but she does all the baking — muffins, breads and cookies from scratch. She also sells some Lakota crafts like beaded pen holders. We'll tell you more about Belva's shop in a future issue of the magazine.
Oh, those aren't bear tracks on the exterior. They're coffee beans.
9 Comments
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Isn’t there an old hymn called Higher Ground?
Comment by Nicholas Nemec — November 30, 2006 @ 7:40 am
Decent Stevie Wonder song from the ’70s by that name.
Comment by Just call me Joe — November 30, 2006 @ 9:20 am
To answer Nick’s question, yes there is!
And here it is:
I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
Refrain:
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s table land,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where those abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.
Refrain
I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught the joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.
Refrain
I want to scale the utmost height
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till Heav’n I’ve found,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
Refrain
This was too good to wait for tomorrow’s 1000 post of the Holabird Advocate
Comment by Jerry Hinkle — November 30, 2006 @ 9:51 am
What a great find - and way to go, Belva!
Comment by Sarah — November 30, 2006 @ 12:41 pm
Belva,
I don’t get through Pine Ridge very often, but I’ll be coming through to spend some money every trip from now on. Congratulations. I like to support rural smalltown enterprises. I think a lot of people do if they get the chance, so thanks for providing an avenue. You could be the Al’s Oasis of Highway 18 when word gets out.
Comment by Charlie — November 30, 2006 @ 2:25 pm
We spent some time in Pine Ridge, visiting friends, when we were there summer before last but we missed this coffee shop, although I have heard of it. The reservation is an interesting place to visit and most people have no idea that anything place like that exists in the United States - with its problems of poverty, alcoholism and the subsequent fall out from both situations in terms of health issues, crime etc. Sad place in general - its nice to see a business that is hopeful and doing well. Looking forward to the future article.
Comment by MaryH — November 30, 2006 @ 4:15 pm
Thanks Jerry I knew the South Dakota Songbook would have the answer.
Comment by Nicholas Nemec — December 1, 2006 @ 6:52 am
Belva,
Congratulations. What an accomplishment. I feel like driving out there for lunch but I’m a long ways away. If I’m ever close you can count on me being a good customer. God bless you girl.
Comment by G.A. — December 4, 2006 @ 12:15 pm
I LOVE this place! Belva is an awesome cook and the place is very welcoming!
Comment by jenna — February 6, 2007 @ 12:34 pm