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By Natalie Palmer Good businesses thrive with a great product and strong service, but the best know the magic that comes from giving back to the community. Queen Bean Caffe and Dairy Queen, under singular ownership, leads the way in giving. Owner Josh Conroy said the businesses have donated over $250,000 to the community over the past five years, and he wouldn't have it any other way. "This community supports us. We have to do our part to give back," he said. " We are really integrated with our community here. We know the people, we know the events, we know the things that are important here. I believe that we have to provide a positive investment into Yucaipa's future." Drop in any day during the month and you're bound to find a fundraiser. Queen Bean regularly donates 20 percent of its profits to local schools, churches, and charity organizations. In November, pop in on Nov. 12, and 20 percent of your order will support the Yucaipa High School music department. Nov. 18 the same goes for supporting Wildwood Elementary. Queen Bean Caffe also gives back to the community in another important way — local sustainability. Conroy says 95 percent of the products used at the restaurant are grown locally. The coffee beans come from Wild Goose Coffee Roasters out of Redlands, whose owner, Nick Westwick used to teach at Yucaipa High School. Wild Goose, in turn, also gives back by donating 10 pounds of food to local food banks for every pound of coffee ordered. Eggs are from a Yucaipa based chicken ranch. On a large sign in the Queen Bean, you can see the many ways they contribute to this cycle. "It's important to create sustainability and buy within the community," said Conroy. "When we buy eggs locally, the owner is able to increase his space for free range chickens and spend more locally too." Of course, Queen Bean is not only known for its delicious coffee, but its mouthwatering crepes, soups and salads. Conroy estimates 75 percent of the food is organic, and there are ample choices that are gluten free, vegetarian and even vegan. The food, loose leaf tea drinks and even coffee, are made fresh to order by employees. "We do everything manually here, we don't have automated machines that make everything. That really gives the customer a higher quality product with a personal touch to it, and that makes a difference," said Conroy. Conroy also gives back by regularly offering kids their first jobs at Dairy Queen next door, with little work experience required. "I like to have the chance to show kids the value of hard work, importance of attendance, punctuality, and customer service," he said. Stop in at Queen Bean Caffe during the holidays for unique Christmas gifts including mugs, t-shirts, bagged coffee and gift cards. And make sure to scribble a blessing to hang on the store's world wish holiday tree. Queen Bean and Dairy Queen are right next to each other in the Market Place at 5th at 12045 Fifth Street in Yucaipa. Queen Bean & Dairy Queen are Kings of Giving 18 OUR YUCAIPA | NOVEMBER 2015 + =

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