Community steps up to support owner of cafe in downtown Newton Falls
When one business in Trumbull County is struggling, fellow business owners and the community step up to support.
That’s what happened for Lillian McGinnis, the owner of Broken Leaf Cafe which has been open since 2023 in downtown Newton Falls.
“We were having a slow season, started getting worried with the high electric bill and not enough income for all the costs,” she said.
The shop’s name is an homage to tea.
Tea leaves may be broken, but when you put them in hot water, they bloom into something amazing, McGinnis wrote.
About two weeks into December, she posted on the business’ Facebook page a message calling for support:
“We’re not the type to ask for help… but right now, we truly need our community....We are fighting to stay open. We are fighting for what we’ve worked so hard to build. And we hope, with all our hearts, that you’ll stand with us.”
McGinnis said she’s gotten major feedback from the Newton Falls community.
“Over the weekend and into today, tons of new people came in and it’s been amazing. All of Newton Falls and the business community have reached out and supported us,” McGinnis said.
A Newton Falls church also got involved to help boost Broken Leaf Cafe: FWD Ministries.
“We’ve worked with them a lot. They’ve collected gifts for about 70 local families for Christmas as part of the work they do with the community,” McGinnis said.
FWD Ministries came to McGinnis and offered to pay for cups of coffee for first responders and teachers.
“We’ve done drinks for teachers with them before,” McGinnis said. “To show appreciation, they’ll pay for the whole tab.”
On Wednesday the promotion started with Newton Falls police officers.
Newton Falls firefighters can come in for a free drink on Thursday and on Friday, teachers, administrators and staff in the school district get free coffee to end the week positively.
There’s also a promotion where customers who come to Broken Leaf Cafe can bring their receipts over to Sub Stop for a discount on food.
“It takes a community,” McGinnis said.
For the holidays, McGinnis added special menu items that have been well-received, including the dirty Santa made with marshmallow and eggnog, plus the peppermint twist latte with white chocolate.
Visit Broken Leaf Cafe from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at 38 W. Broad St. in Newton Falls.
