Where Every Bean is Gifted

Cristian McMerty

Need a heart-warming story for a January day? Step inside the doors of The Gifted Bean Coffee House, a place overflowing with optimism, good will and, of course, great coffee. Smiles are free and so are the clever sayings that show up in the shop and on their Facebook page.

Caution: Java installation 95% complete. Installation in progress.

The shop opened in Bismarck Public Library in October 2014, serving up coffee, lunch, the best chocolate chai ever (not just my opinion). On any given day, you may find friends chatting over fresh hot sandwiches, someone engrossed in a book, a writer at work, librarians rushing in to grab a cuppa, or maybe a party of individuals with unique abilities enjoying one of the games the shop has available.

However, to fully appreciate The Gifted Bean, you need to know that a “gifted bean” is really a “being who is gifted.” This family-owned business has a larger purpose.

Matt and Sandy McMerty were a career-track couple when their first son was born 14 years ago with Down syndrome. They soon became involved in community efforts to support people with disabilities. However, they wanted Cristian to dream of a future of greater independence. They decided to find a business where he could work when he grew up to support that dream. When the shop became available, they saw it as it as “bean” their opportunity.

Coffee. Helping millions of people put on pants and say words…we are proud to help in the effort.

Their dream is becoming reality. Cristian, his parents, and siblings, all work in the shop, along with other staff, serving up great customer service. Recently, Cristian handed out his new business cards. They read, “Hello, I’m Cristian McMerty and I’m the future owner of The Gifted Bean, where every bean is special.”

The McMerty’s efforts are making a positive influence not just in Cristian’s life, but throughout the community. Their inspiring story has been shared in TV, newspaper and magazine stories. In 2015, they were named Employer of the Year by The Arc of Bismarck for their contributions to the lives of people with disabilities.

When The Gifted Bean opened in 2014, I was still with The Library Foundation, working in the Library. Each morning I stopped by for a good cup of coffee and, well maybe, one of those fresh chocolate peanut butter bars.

Coffee and friends make the perfect blend.

Now that I’m retired from the Library, I’m still a weekly customer. After By the Banks of Cottonwood Creek was published last year, I stopped by for coffee and shared the news. To my surprise, they offered to sell the book, the first store in Bismarck to make it available. Now when I walk into the shop and a barista waves an envelope at me, I know they’ve sold another copy. It makes me happy, not just because of the sale, but because it feels like they are on my team. And I am on theirs.

Writing Update: Many thanks to all who ask about the sequel to By the Banks of Cottonwood Creek. You’ve helped me keep writing through this dreary winter. Although, I must admit, the fast moving romance between Kelly and Amber does make my fingers tingle as I type away. One of the pleasures of writing is finding out how the characters deal with the situations thrown at them. Kelly and Amber are getting a lot of practice at that! Another pleasure is meeting new characters, such as this sweet, sassy rag doll, who makes her debut in the sequel. However, for now she’s content to supervise the office from her seat in my pen jar.

Thought for the Day: Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6: 9