x
Breaking News
More () »

New café serves workers and customers

Journey’s Special Brew Café empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

INVERNESS, Fla. — Along busy Florida Avenue in Inverness, balloons and decorations celebrate the opening of a brand-new café. Sure, you can find something you like on the menu, but there’s more to Journey’s Special Brew Café than soup and a sandwich.

“Please give this place a chance. This is more than just a meal,” urges Chef Ryan Hooper.

Guided by supervisors, nearly 20 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities work at the café. They’re learning a variety of skills; everything from washing dishes to food prep. Job skills like these can boost employability, independence and self-esteem.

Kyle Ehrenborg, 27, is looking forward to a having a job and the paycheck that comes with it. “That I’ll be working and not sitting around doing nothing all day. And I want to be useful and be able to do things,” he said.

Profits from the café will also help support other Journey’s programs, like a nearby day training center. There’s a long waiting list for the center and more scholarships are needed.

The Founder of the Journey to Success Foundation, Chloe Edwards, hopes community residents will support the café. “They can expect good customer service. They can expect our individuals to serve them to the best of their understanding and knowledge,” said Edwards. “We just ask you to be patient, but we promise we’ll get the job done.”

The café is located at 111 N. Florida Ave. in Inverness. The hours are Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

If you can’t make it to the café, but would like to support Journey’s program, you can donate here.

Tune into “Great Day Live” weekdays from 9 to 10 a.m. on WTSP-TV.

Hosts Kendall Kirkham and Java Ingram bring you the latest in what everyone’s talking about, from trending stories, lifestyle and entertainment news, buzz-worthy, pop culture moments, and all things fun and exciting happening around Tampa Bay.

Whether it’s people making a difference, talented artists and musicians, delicious food, fun activities to do and make with the family, lovable animals, entertaining events and big names coming to town, we’ve got you covered. We hope to bring you a wealth of information to live your best life and start your morning right!

Like us on Facebook at @greatdaylivetampabay or on Instagram at @greatdaylivetampabay.

If you have an interesting segment idea, send an email to

About Kendall: 

Kendall Kirkham joined “Great Day Live” in November 2017 from Memphis, Tennessee, where she served as morning co-anchor for WMC Action News 5. Prior to her stint in Memphis, Kendall served as co-host of "Tulsa Live" at KOKI in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Kendall also worked at KETK in Tyler, Texas, The Dallas Morning News and started her career as an intern for “The Ellen Show” and E! Entertainment.

Kendall has interviewed countless celebrities and notable figures, from Bob Woodward to Arsenio Hall, John Travolta and Paula Deen. She’s hit 9 Gs with the U.S. Airforce Thunderbirds, raised money for various charities in three local “Dancing with the Stars” competitions, and even played a gangster on stage for a traveling Broadway show. Kendall is most proud of her work with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. She continues to support the hospital in various capacities today.

Kendall is a proud Texas native. She grew up in the Fort Worth area and graduated from Texas Christian University with a degree in Radio/TV/Film.

Kendall is thrilled to join the “Great Day Live” team and is having a ball highlighting this thriving community. She hopes to bring a smile to viewers at home every single day. In her spare time, Kendall enjoys exploring the countless sights, sounds and eats of Tampa Bay with her husband Jason and son Knox.

About Java: 

Java Ingram is a New Orleans native/Texan and is excited to call Florida home! Prior to joining the “Great Day Live” team, Java served as host of a lifestyle-entertainment show in Birmingham, Alabama. She also woke up dark and early, weekday mornings to help drivers make it to their destinations safely as a traffic anchor.

Java started her on-air broadcast career in the birthplace of Elvis Presley, Tupelo, Mississippi. In Tupelo, she served as morning news anchor, producer and reporter.

Javanté is an award-winning journalist, having been recognized by the Associated Press for Best Anchor, Best Reporter and Best Franchise Reporting, just to name a few.

When she's not working, Java is very passionate about giving back to the community, having served on the corporate boards for The Boys and Girls Club of North Mississippi, The Civic Ballet Company, The Doniphan Dance Project and the Leadership Council for the Boys and Girls Club of Central Alabama. She has volunteered also with a number of civic organizations.

Before You Leave, Check This Out