On Jan. 13, downtown Clarkesville officially welcomed Man’s Best Friend Cafe, a coffee house with a heartwarming initiative to make a difference in the Habersham community for us and our furry friends.
Man’s Best Friend Cafe offers a unique experience that goes beyond your typical coffee shop. Founded by Cynthia Lincoln, popularly known as Linke, this cozy spot aims to provide premiere refreshments and help the surrounding community in whatever ways possible.
One of the many ways that Man’s Best Friend Café impacts the community is through a little something that Lincoln calls “the help jar.” Instead of the typical tipping many businesses utilize, any customer with loose change can toss it in the large jar on top of the counter where they order their drink. These funds will be used in one of two ways: to help buy a cup for someone who comes in without enough funds, or to be donated to whatever local charity the cafe is supporting at the end of the week. Either way, customers can be sure that their spare coins are making a difference.
This shop is a labor of love for Lincoln. As someone who has experienced many hardships, from clinical depression to homelessness, they have risen above every time, and now have the unmatched passion to make a difference in people’s lives. Through promoting pet adoption, raising money for countless noble causes, and generally supporting individuals in their community, Lincoln truly is making efforts to change the world one mug at a time.
“I plan eventually to do something with mental help because it’s really important to me,” says Lincoln. “That’s really important to me. Homelessness prevention is really important to me. Helping people in need is important to me, you know, things like that. And then, rescues and shelters on top of that. I tell people: we’re not just focused on animals, but we’re for people too. We are just a community of living things.”
As a young entrepreneur, Lincoln feels especially pulled towards serving college students through events like late-night study sessions. They believe in the importance of supporting the aspirations of young people, mostly because they, too, are so young.
“I want to heavily market towards college students specifically because I am of the same age,” Lincoln says. “When I was 18 years old, I got my first job and found my dream there. You know, everything in my life changed just one after the other. And, being at that age, that’s what happens. Everything changes all of the time. Your mental health can get awful, but also, the best things ever can happen. It’s crazy! That’s why I want to support in whatever way I can.”
Since the opening of the store, the Clarkesville community and Piedmont students alike have seemingly come to the same positive conclusions.
Destini Nesbitt wrote in a Google review, “My husband and I visited Man’s Best Friend Café because we love trying new and local coffee spots! Once we entered, we immediately felt comfort! The staff is great, the atmosphere is cozy, and the food and drink are amazing! Their food and drink menus both are inclusive to those with food allergies and restrictions while still being delicious. We are looking forward to visiting more!”
Habersham local and Piedmont University senior Ellawyn Ketch had much to say when asked about her feelings on the subject.
“When I heard Man’s Best Friend was coming, I was super excited!” says Ketch. I was doubly excited because I loved the whole rescue message and theming around the café. Linke is very passionate and dedicated and clearly cares so much about the cafe and its mission!”
With weekly events tailored towards students and the community, it is no wonder why MBF has been such a hit. Next time you are looking for a place to study, a fun new drink to try, or even just a friendly face, try stopping by Man’s Best Friend Cafe at 1349 Washington St, Clarkesville. For more information about weekly events and menus, check out Man’s Best Friend Cafe on Instagram @mansbestfriendcafe.
