Mission
Our dream is an open invitation for all who long for more to come find a seat at the table of love, light, and belonging.
Vision
We aim to share joy, whimsy, and community through the love of Jesus, creative storytelling, and food that warms the soul.
Just like the great authors like C.S. Lewis or J.R.R. Tolkien used their creativity and passion for storytelling in the realm of fantasy to spread the Gospel message, we believe that our aesthetic creates space for everyone to come near and encounter the presence of love, grace, and fellowship.
Our Founders
Meet our owners/keepers of the Cafe!
Iris Allen
COO/Owner
Started off as a home baker, Iris spent countless hours tweaking recipes to meet the dietary needs of her loved ones without compromise on taste or quality. This passion has now exceeded the boundaries of family and extends to her community. With a keen eye for detail, high standards for taste, and a heart full of dedication, meeting dietary needs in her community never ceases to put a smile on her face.
Rebekah Rowan
CEO/Owner
As a trained barista/mixologist and event coordinator, Rebekah brings both knowledge and experience to our table. With her passion for creativity, her knack for storytelling, and a bold taste palette with rich, complex flavors, she truly adds balance to our team. Her heart is to invite the local community to find joy, commonality, or new, chosen family over a cozy cup of tea.
Why “Wisteria”?
We chose the beautiful, climbing vine of wisteria to represent our business because we believe that God’s love can overcome all, and change its surrounding environment to bring the beautiful fragrance of His peace, similar to the properties of the wisteria plant.
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 NLT
Our Food
We are plant-based and gluten-free to accommodate the growing need for dietary restrictions in the community. After both owners went on individual health journeys, we saw the growing need for plant-based and gluten-free options in Columbus, GA and surrounding areas. Taste is not an issue as our goal is to create a healthier, safer option for the people needing it without compromising on flavor or texture.
The Lore of Grandmother Wisteria
You might wonder why we sign everything with or include the “Grandmother Wisteria” moniker. Grandmother Wisteria is actually the “real” owner of the cafe, whereas Iris and Rebekah are the keepers of the establishment. Grandmother Wisteria is an ancient being and a powerful healer who travels to each realm to gather the lost people who have been oppressed by The Wither, which is the darkness. She brings them back to our world to the cafe to find restoration. Sound familiar? To us, Grandmother Wisteria represents the nurturing and healing heart of God, or what people might akin to the presence of the spirit of God, which is the Holy Spirit. As we fully understand and acknowledge God’s character, we love to see Him personified in the way of a comforting, fun grandmother. Full of wisdom, safety, and respect for everyone who crosses her path. Our food, tea, and atmosphere are curated to be a place of safety and comfort for anyone lost, broken, or in need of community.
Portrait of Grandmother Wisteria; drawn by an artist local to Columbus, GA
If you like to see more lore about Grandmother Wisteria, please read our free PDF “Realms of Wisteria”