NEW ORLEANS — Last week, one family’s coffee truck was stolen, right out of their backyard in the Lower Ninth Ward. Less than a week later, its owners got a call that would keep their family in business.
For the Bookers, business sounds like the hum of an espresso machine. Last week, they thought their days of brewing might be behind them.
“All day Monday was a really dark space for us,” TellTale Coffee Owner Shane Booker said.
When Shane walked outside to open up shop on Burgundy Street, the family coffee truck was gone.
“This was it there was no backup,” Booker said. “I really thought it was over.”
Almost one week later, less than a mile from Booker’s home, the truck showed back up.
“They said does this belong to you? I said yes it does, and we were just so happy,” Booker said.
Not a coffee bean was out of place.
“You say it’s like a miracle. It really was,” Booker said.
He says he has the community in the Lower Ninth Ward to thank for its safe return.
“People sent out hundreds of emails. People from the neighborhood on their own time were driving the streets looking for it on their own. I really don’t think I would’ve found it if it weren’t for the community here,” Booker said.
For Shane and his family, Tell Tale Coffee is more than just a business.
“We want to serve the neighborhood and earn the right to be here,” Booker said.
One day, they hope to turn the truck into a church for the Lower Ninth.
“Life is really boring and really sad when you get to the end of it and it's been all about you. But if you live a life giving away to other people it's something you can be proud of,” Booker said.
For now, they’re looking forward to keeping their community caffeinated.
If you’re interested in trying a cup from Tell Tale, they’ll be at Tulane Medical Center Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. until July. Their next event is the Juneteenth Festival in Congo Square.
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