UNCW graduates Rachel and Giovanni Ellzey will soon be serving up coffee for a cause in Wilmington at Social Coffee & Supply Co., 5317 Wrightsville Ave.
 
They said including the word "social" in the name was important to them for two reasons: coffee is something to be enjoyed in a social setting, and part of their mission is to also increase social consciousness. The Ellzeys hope to open their new business by April.
 
The Ellzeys plan to partner with local and global non-profits as part of their business plan. Both are active with Global Education Ministries (GEM), a locally founded organization that operates a school in Puerto Escondido, Mexico.
 
“We want to give back to the best of our ability using the resources we’ve been given,” Rachel Ellzey said.
 
Giovanni Ellzey was adopted from Bolivia when he was 4 years old and said that while he was a student at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, it really began to dawn on him how fortunate he was to be a student in the U.S. with the opportunity to pursue an education. When he met Rachel and the two realized their common vision, they began brainstorming ways to earn a living while giving back.
 
The couple had been putting together a business plan and searching for a location for about a year when the Wrightsville Avenue space became available last November. They were drawn the layout of the former home because it felt cozy, like coming in to relax in someone’s home. 

They hope to create a homey atmosphere for students, as well as those at the neighboring Cape Fear Memorial Hospital.
 
Social Coffee & Supply Co. will serve coffee, tea and espresso drinks, as well as smoothies and locally baked goods from Great Harvest Bread Co., Cravings and Neo Snacks.
 
The Ellzeys say they will begin each day with the first $4 in tips being put aside to sponsor a child attending the GEM school in Mexico and a Bolivian child via Compassion International. Beyond that they plan to carry retail goods produced by artisans with like-minded missions and seek opportunities to partner with charitable organizations.
 
“We want to serve others through coffee and community,” Giovanni Ellzey said.
 
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