CULLMAN – Cullman is now home to a very unique place; a place where you can find delicious food, amazing coffees, fantastic artwork and all sorts of gifts which were all made right here in Alabama. What makes this place even extra special is the fact that all the profits from this fine place go directly to charity! That’s right – charity. Every purchase made at Red Door Emporium helps others.
“Almost five years ago, I was volunteering at the Good Sheppard free health clinic when my friend Jerry Jacob, who was Executive Director, and I got to talking about how difficult it is for non-profits to raise money, especially in today’s economy,” explained Bill McCartney, owner. “Then out of the blue, Jerry said, ‘Bill – ever thought about running a thrift store and giving the profits to non-profits?’ I said, ‘No’ and then the wheels started turning and we figured we could do a lot of good for a lot of folks.”
The Coffee Café is brilliantly colored with tables and chairs that have been painted to fit the art theme of the rest of the building. Enjoy rich and aromatic coffees along with breakfast and lunch selections that will fill the hungriest of appetites. Treat yourself to dessert and enjoy one of the many mouth watering baked goods that line the counter. You’ll be satisfied and want to come back and eat at the cafe again and again.
Red Door Emporium offers a variety of beautiful artwork from artists all over Alabama. After you’ve eaten your meal, you’ll enjoy browsing through the fine art, folk art, pottery, paintings and handmade jewelry. Looking for that special gift? Red Door has a wonderful selection of Made-In-Alabama products that is sure to be exactly what you’re looking for. Choose from a variety of sauces, goat milk soap, jams, candles, aprons, Red Door Coffee and so much more. Remember, each purchase you make goes to help people in the community that are in need.
“The idea is we work like crazy and make as much money as we can during the year and then we give the profit back to the community at the end of each year – half to the Christian outreach mission and the other half to non-profits through a grant program. Then we work like crazy to make more money to give away the next year.”
McCartney’s plan is to build the community by hosting several clubs and discussion groups. The Divine Red Door Discussion Group is a weekly discussion group, lead by clergy from various churches in town. It is designed to learn more about God from each other. The group will begin meeting on Thursday, November 6, and then every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The Red Door Walking & Running Club will foster fun, friendship and fitness as participants earn store discounts and other great stuff. Better hurry and sign up now – this begins today!
The Red Door Book & Author Club explores the south’s rich literary traditions as Alabama authors come to discuss their books the first Friday of each month. They will begin Friday, November 7 at 11 a.m. with Matt Doss and his book, “Stone of David”. If you are interested in attending this event, please notify the store so they will be sure to have enough seats available.
Finally, you may be wondering what the meaning of the red door is and why they chose this as part of their name. It is simply explained on small white cards placed throughout the store. It simply says…
“The Red Door Emporium – It is clear that our community has many needs that are not yet being met. Lack of funding has hurt all of our non-profits and many Christian outreach efforts. While most of our local businesses are good citizens, doing what they can to help… the whole purpose of The Red Door Emporium is to give all its profits to help fund the efforts.”
“Why the red door? The first red doors were colored with sheep’s blood to guard the children of Israel from the Angel of Death. Then, in medieval times, if someone was being pursued and could make it through the red doors of a church, sanctuary from all authorities could be claimed. We don’t expect you are being pursued! But either way, we hope you come to know The Red Door Emporium as a sanctuary where you can relax your body and mind and enjoy the work of our Alabama artisans and delicious Red Door Coffee. So buy more for yourself and others!”
If you or someone you know would like to know more about the Red Door Emporium, feel free to stop by and visit them. They are located at 324 4th Avenue SE, Cullman, AL 35055. You can also visit them online at www.TheRedDoorCullman.com or call 256-734-0599.
