For Andrew Wilson, Jethro’s started as a college business plan. Dahlonega’s newest coffee shop, which opened in late May, has gone through a few phases before becoming what it is today.
“In 2015 I wrote up a business plan for Jethro’s,” said Wilson. “I didn’t really know where it was going. It started with ‘good food, good community, and good music’. It kind of molded into ‘good coffee and good company for good.’”
The meaning behind the name refers to one of Wilson’s favorite biblical figures, Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses.
“[Moses] didn’t really know what to do with all those people, so he went to Jethro. He said in order to lead 40,000 people, put some over thousands, some over hundreds, and some over tens.”
He calls that the Jethro Principle, which is the basis for the shop. “The idea is that to love so many people, you have to start with a few that you can love right next to you,” Wilson said. “That’s the goal..to love so that love can continue to flow out.”
Five years later, during the pandemic, is when the idea really started to take off.
“A lot of people stopped doing community, for good reason . . . I just found this passion and desire for people to come together again . . . and reach people with the message of grace,” he said. “I want to be a place where people can be accepted and have those conversations again.
And also because he “loves coffee, and people too.”
A NEW HOME
Choosing Dahlonega seemed natural for Wilson, who is originally from Cumming.
“We would come up here often...it was fun and a place that I really enjoy,” he said. “It feels like home to me.”
Wilson saw a need in the community for everyone to gather; locals, tourists, and students alike. Soon enough, he found a listing for the space online and came to visit.
“It was like God put Dahlonega on his finger and just kept poking me with it,” he said.
The process for getting the space ready was tough, but doable.
“We built walls, we had to add plumbing...it wasn’t fun.” Wilson and his father did most of the renovation, sans the electricity and plumbing, with help from a few friends.
But for the end goal, for Jethro’s to “feel like Dahlonega’s living room,” it was worth it.
He also wants to make it an integral part of the Dahlonega experience, in tandem with other businesses.
“The goal is for people to stop here in the morning before they do the rest of their things in Dahlonega,” he said. “We’re going to have a ‘Things to do in Dahlonega' page...I’m pro-business in Dahlonega. I’m not trying to shut anybody down. I want everyone to be successful.”
GOOD VIBES
For now, Jethro’s is only limited by its menu and staff numbers.
Currently, the shop is open Monday-Thursday 7- 5, Friday 6 -5, Saturday 8-5, and Sunday 12:30-6; but he hopes to extend those hours during the school year from 7-10.
The menu is based mostly on “what [he knows] how to do.”
“Right now, it’s just a preview menu...based on what people are asking for and what we know how to do,” he said. Currently, he’s working on what will become Jethro’s signature drink: The Golden Nugget.
“It’s spicy, it’s sweet; it’ll be a good year round drink. Something that satisfies you in the fall and spring.” he said.
Locals have also been enjoying the vibe of the shop. Friends Lindsey Brown and Ashlyn Newman were surprised to have a place like Jethro’s in Dahlonega.
“I would expect something like this in a big city, but it’s here in Dahlonega,” said Brown.
“I like that it caters to students and professionals. You can come in and it’s not just full of college kids or professionals,” said Newman.
Thomas Odom and Michaela Follett, regulars, love the environment and coffee.
“It’s good coffee and a good environment,” said Odom.
“I love the good coffee, good vibes, and friendly staff,” said Follett.
The main thing he wants everyone to know about Jethro’s? All are welcome.
“Everyone is able to come here, relax, and have a great cup of coffee,” he said. “I used to sit with a cup of coffee and think that’s when I was truly able to rest the most...If you slow down to have that good cup of coffee and that conversation with somebody, it’s amazing how the rest of your day can go.”
The coffee shop is located just off the public square along North Grove Street.