Can a Cup of Coffee Change Everything?
A version of this article originally appeared in The Mission
Many people run to their morning cup of joe for its restorative and nigh magical ability to make the morning bearable. What if I told you that it actually saved a Navy SEAL’s life?
Salvatore DeFranco was a Navy SEAL preparing for his second deployment to Iraq when his world was shattered in an instant. After being hit by a car and suffering traumatic brain injuries that left him comatose for 2 weeks, he woke up to a new reality. Short-term memory loss and dramatic personality changes made the little things that were so easy before almost impossible. Salvatore lived with his parents in Boston while he underwent therapy and treatment. After two years, his body was still healing, but his mind was not. His psychologist suggested that Salvatore visit a medical doctor to see what drugs could help his depression. At the first visit, the doctor asked if he was drinking coffee. Salvatore said no, and the doctor told him to start. Coffee is a natural antidepressant. It might just help.
And it did.
When Salvatore began drinking coffee, he felt alive again. He started interacting with world, and began to spend his times at cafes and being happy. 5 years later, in 2013, he began to be able to fully use his sense of smell and taste, which had disappeared following the accident. Battle Grounds Coffee is a true labor of love and flows from the hard work and perseverance that helped him survive.
In 2016, Salvatore and his wife, Dana, opened the cafe to give back to the community and honor the military commitment that both families come from. Dana’s grandfather, a decorated World War II veteran, provided the initial funds to open the business, so it truly is a family affair. While he credits his military background with maintaining the fortitude to survive his ordeal, Salvatore wants Battle Grounds Coffee to be a center for the local communities to grow and assist one another. By ensuring that the coffee shop is always busy with events and a fresh pot on the burner, he fosters an atmosphere to accomplish that.
Battle Grounds Coffee believes they are in place to help people to embody the best qualities of Navy SEAL's: mental toughness, resilience, drive, and selflessness. In short, they want their customers to be the very best versions of themselves that they can be.
“We are a family-owned business that cares deeply about our community. We want to build the bridge between veterans and civilians. I didn’t pledge an oath to protect and serve only those with whom I agree. Just like I didn’t start a company to only serve those who share my beliefs and opinions. Battle Grounds serves as a place for people to discuss ideas, build relationships, and create business. In our community, we are the tip of the spear… We make communities better.†- Salvatore DeFranco
He credits the success of the store and the quality of the coffee to being on the ground, so to speak. In a brick and mortar location, the company is able to quickly gather feedback on roasts and blends that may or may not be a hit. They can also find out about new products and services that would suit their customer base and stock them quickly, without long waits.
We all have our beliefs about what has saved our lives, from music to religion, love and marriage. Salvatore DeFranco believes that coffee was his saving grace. His coffee shop provides a similar purpose to his community.
Oh. The doctor that suggested the coffee? He was a sleep specialist. True story.