Off of 5th street in Old Town Warrenton sits the quaint and cozy coffee shop, Goodness & Grace. Working with limited money to establish the atmosphere that owner Malayna Morton envisioned, it was difficult to create what is now the beautiful space. Many of the authentic pieces customers can find in the shop had to come from what Morton already had in stock. Barn scraps and leftover wood from Morton’s previous employment as a construction worker were the first decorations to make up Goodness & Grace’s interior.

Malayna Morton, when beginning Goodness & Grace, “wanted to create a space where people could experience the goodness of life.” Morton saw that “coffee brought people together and helped create a sense of community.” The cafe exemplifies this by serving as a hotspot for the citizens of Warrenton to come together and make connections.

The cafe was officially opened on Jan. 5, 2024. Solely focusing on her dream of creating a space for people to come together, Morton “didn’t even know how to make a latte the day [she] opened [the store].” Morton took an optimistic approach to this lack of knowledge, finding the fun in learning through every mistake and challenge.

Weekly drink specials are an iconic staple of the Old Town business. At the beginning of each new work week, Goodness & Grace’s social media pages are updated with three thematic and creative coffee creations. These include anything from iced and mocha lattes to a decorated assortment of sodas. Another staple of Goodness & Grace’s menu is their cinnamon rolls, Morton describing the treat as “always a win.”

As well as coffee, Goodness & Grace offers a vast variety of baked goods. Their menu features a variety of options, including muffins, cookies, quiche and savory biscuits. The most popular items on the restaurant’s food menu are the peanut butter and sun butter protein bites. Morton explained that the shop “sells about 1,400 [protein bites] a week.”

Goodness & Grace takes great pride in their customer-friendly atmosphere. Morton makes an active effort to build connections with the store’s regular customers, establishing a welcoming and comfortable environment. Human connection is something that comes naturally to Morton, but also something that brings her immense joy and gratification. “It feels so special to get to build relationships, see people and get to know people,” stated Morton.

Intensity is something the employees of Goodness & Grace are familiar with. The morning crew of the cafe starts their work day between two and four in the morning to ensure the appropriate stock of assorted baked goods is fulfilled. “I enjoy the challenge and intensity that comes with it, because it’s a thrill,” explained Morton.

Goodness and Grace is a highly popular cafe and bakery in Old Town, Warrenton. The shop is well known for its welcoming environment as well as the incredible coffee and baked goods. Nothing is too ambitious for owner Malayna Morton, and the citizens of Warrenton are excited to see what else she will do with her business.