WHITESBORO - Right down Main street in Whitesboro sits a coffee shop filled with music, fellowship and good times.
For Chris Jefferson, a full-time firefighter and paramedic for 31 years in Plano, he’s pouring that same heart for service into House of Brews.
Jefferson’s connection to the shop began long before he owned it. When Jefferson moved to town back in 2000, he was in search of a local place with good coffee when he found Brewed Octane. As an avid coffee lover, he enjoyed going to the coffee shop regularly to get something folks couldn’t really get anywhere else in town - a good cup of crafted coffee in a true coffee shop atmosphere.
When one of the owners passed away, her husband couldn’t bear being up there without his wife. So, he decided to give Jefferson an offer on the coffee shop or otherwise close it down.
Jefferson thought it would be a shame for the community to lose the coffee shop, so he stepped in to keep it alive.
Since opening under its new name in 2022, Jefferson has enjoyed making House of Brews a place where everybody feels welcome to hang out. He renovated the coffee shop from a western cowboy theme into a music-themed look with artwork made by local artists and a new name inspired by the House of Blues.
They host occasional game nights, board game tournaments and music nights once a month where local artists come in to sing songs, play instruments and have a great time.
Local artwork lines the walls, showcasing the creativity of the community. Their coffee comes fresh from a roaster in Fort Worth, a proprietary Brazilian Ethiopian blend crafted specially for House of Brews.
Smoothies, frappes, lattes and espresso drinks are available as well.
They currently have a full breakfast menu with items such as burritos, waffles, french toast and locally baked goods.
Jefferson says it is special getting to see how people have made the coffee shop their home. He’s now planning to expand the kitchen to serve more people quickly and offer even more menu options.
When he’s not on duty, Jefferson is at the shop ready to welcome folks in, catch up with regulars and drum up fresh coffee that brings the community together.
House of Brews is located at 413 W. Main Street in Whitesboro. They’re open Monday through Friday 7 a.m.-12 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. They’re closed Sunday.
