Reader: Emily's Coffee sounds like a sweet deal, even without sugar

Denver has no shortage of coffee shops, but Emily's Coffee is something special. A project of the Emily Griffith Technical College (formerly known as the Emily Griffith Opportunity School) that's located at the adult-education facility at 1261 Glenarm Street, the new spot is now serving coffee and espresso drinks made with beans from local roaster Kaladi Brothers, as well as freshly baked pastries made by students in the professional baking classes. But it's also serving up practical training for hundreds of refugees who've landed in Denver.

"They spend time in the classroom and then a few hours each week in the coffee shop," says program manager Kevin Mohatt. "But they don't just learn how to be a barista. The idea is that they get experience interacting with customers and providing customer service, which is applicable in other jobs."

And that idea earned praise from reader Dave Shuck:

I don't drink coffee. I believe it to be the devil's cocoa because of the burnt, bitter aftertaste. However, I would frequent this place, sacrificing my principles (and taste buds) to support this one. This is just one of many examples of how to lead and co-exist within a community. Well done!

The shop is currently serving a limited menu during limited hours, but when Emily's Coffee celebrates its grand opening on October 28, the full menu and full hours -- 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday -- will be introduced, too.