Start Your Day with Coffee & Encouragement

The 814 Grounds property is dedicated to God, and we are dedicated to serving Him and our community. Everyone is welcome here. We serve coffee, mocktails, and specialty non-alcohol drinks, along with a large selection of breakfast and lunch items. Our most unique offering is known as a Jaffle, and we think you'll love them. Our establishment is also available for your special private event, just let us know how we can help! The 814 Grounds is home to The 814 Cafe/Coffee Shop, The Erie Extreme TV Show, and the music group, The Band 814.

A Note From Dave

            I have supported my family for 25 years as a full-time fisherman. My life has centered around fishing for as long as I can remember. But I recently awoke to the realization that there is more to life than being a fisherman—that there are more important things happening—and I developed an urgency to share the gospel with everyone I encounter. Though I still love to fish, fishing will take a backseat moving forward.
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           To own a venue, or hub, centered around Jesus and the living Word of God, where seeds can be planted daily with our guests and souls can be saved, is more than my desire—it is my calling. Helping others in desperate need is my passion. With the services this facility will provide, the potential to be a witness to countless people is staggering, to say the least.
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             This calling was solidified and confirmed over and over during a recent visit to the local bait shop. As I sat next to the minnow tank for an hour one day, I interacted with about a dozen customers, all unique in their own way. Some were Christians; most were not. I bought one man the bait he threw on the counter. It was only $10, but his genuine gratitude was overwhelming. Another man was a parole officer, and we talked about the issues facing today’s youth. The next customer was a woman from a community assistance center who was taking a van full of special-needs residents fishing for the afternoon. She was doing a wonderful thing, but she did not identify as a Christian.

              There were meaningful connections made and many opportunities to plant seeds in that single hour. When it was time to leave, I shared my thoughts about the experience with the bait shop owner. He told me that those conversations and interactions with people were the very reason he does what he does. I paused and reflected on that.

               I was saddened that I had let people walk out of the bait shop that day without directly sharing the Good News with them. Then I realized that perhaps showing them kindness—the very things Jesus commands of His followers—and planting a seed was just as impactful. Some are called to plant seeds, while others are called to water and nurture them. The “814” facility has the limitless potential to do both without aggressively pushing religion on people.

              I was blown away by the potential of an atmosphere like this, and it literally changed my life and my perspective. I knew this plan was in my future, but I did not fully grasp its purpose until God revealed it to me that day at the bait shop.

              We do not want to push religion on people. Our goal as the 814 family is to help unify people and heal wounds created by religion and the divisive walls established by different church denominations. Our mission is to plant seeds, shine the light of Biblical truth, and overflow with the love of Jesus. Maybe we speak openly to one person. Maybe we include a thoughtful message in a checkout bag or on a receipt. We will be creative in that regard, but our primary mission is to save souls one at a time and faithfully share the truth.