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Espresso at Stratfords

“To create a relaxing and nurturing setting for people to gather and visit while providing high quality beverages, packaged coffee products, and related gifts.” Espresso at Stratfords’ mission statementDick and Jody Stratford, owners of Espresso at Stratfords, have spent a lifetime serving others. “Espresso’s is a natural progression for us,” Jody Stratford said. “The coffee cafe is a gathering place for people to share and connect with each other and that’s what we are all about.”Dick Stratford spent 32 years in the Baptist ministry, and Jody Stratford served as not only the minister’s wife, but also as a counselor in a junior high school and a psychotherapist in private practice for 10 years.They were both born and raised in San Francisco, Calif., and attended their high school prom together. Both graduated from San Jose State.The Stratfords will celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary in August. The proud products of their marriage are two children: Brandon is a social worker for the Hispanic Charter Schools in Washington, DC, and Lindsey is a married artist in Denver with two children. Lindsey’s work is displayed for sale at the coffee shop.Dick Stratford’s calling took them to southern California, Arizona, Wyoming, Washington and finally to Brighton, Colo., where they spent 12 years. While in Brighton, Dick Stratford saw a need for transitional housing for the homeless. “We wanted to provide services for people in need, and the city of Brighton fought us all the way,” Dick Stratford said. “They were afraid of the town being invaded by the homeless from Denver and other surrounding communities. Once Brighton realized that wasn’t going to happen, they got on board with us, and we opened two duplexes that would provide transitional housing for those families whose breadwinners had lost their jobs, etc.” Under Stratford’s leadership, Almost Home grew, and is still providing services to the homeless.Health issues forced Dick Stratford to leave the ministry full time in 2004. “I’m now a wandering minister,” he said.They searched areas along the Front Range, and chose Falcon. “We wanted to be near our grandchildren in Denver, and my best friend from childhood lives in Woodmen Hills, so we came down here to look at what business opportunities might be available,” Jody Stratford said. “We saw Falcon as a great community to open a small coffee shop, and continue to serve people.”Both have a passion for working with teenagers. “I was a youth pastor for almost nine years,” Dick Stratford said. Jody Stratford concentrated her private practice on families and adolescents. She continues to study issues concerning teens, and occasionally does family counseling. Jody Stratford presents workshops titled “The Teenage Brain,” focusing on the development of the teenage brain and teen behaviors. “We have a real heart for teenagers, and we are very comfortable with them,” Jody Stratford said. The Stratfords are considering offering a homework night for teens as well as a night featuring teen music. “We would love to have teens come in and feel comfortable in our cafÈ,” Jody Stratford said.The Stratfords host several groups at the cafÈ. “We have professional groups that hold their weekly or monthly meetings here, as well as casual groups like the women who meet weekly to socialize and knit,” Jody Stratford said. They also sponsor a book club that meets the last Thursday of each month. “Anyone who enjoys reading and stimulating conversation should stop by and check it out,” she said. The Stratfords also present musical talent at the cafÈ at least once a month, and are interested in showcasing local artists. They would like to host a cribbage tournament next fall as well.Espresso at Stratfords also offers a daily lunch menu that includes homemade soup, salads and sandwiches. “The soups are my own recipes and made by me,” Stratford said. Along with gourmet coffee, lattes and cappuccinos, they serve teas, smoothies, cold coffee drinks, milkshakes, sundaes and assorted pastries.There is an array of unique gifts, too. “Most of the gifts have a relationship theme because that’s what we are all about,” she said.To mitigate conflicts or challenges that often arise between husbands and wives who operate a business together, the two identified and divided their responsibilities. “I am responsible for business management and customer relations, and Jody is responsible for purchasing, dÈcor and gifts,” Dick Stratford said.The Stratfords rent the cafÈ during its regularly closed hours. “If you are having a small gathering, such as an anniversary, wedding, meeting, etc. we would be happy to talk to you,” Jody Stratford said.Dick and Jody have continued their ministry by welcoming all who enter Espresso’s. “We are a people ministry,” Dick said. And Jody added, “We don’t sermonize, we just love people.”Espresso at Stratfords is open Monday to Friday, from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Sundays, they are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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