(Note: Red Tree Coffee was a hub of the Kingston Springs community throughout the ordeal of the flood, serving as a center to mobilize volunteers and dispense information, as well as providing a secure port in the storm. The coffee house’s second anniversary was May 10.)

Sisters Katie Conley and Amy Bruce got in business two years ago to give a boost to their community—in more ways than one. They own Red Tree Coffee in Kingston Springs, serving not just coffee and fresh-baked food daily, but a multitude of causes in their adopted home town.

"We love people, and this is a people business," Conley says. "We’ve been very involved in the community, and it in turn has been very supportive of us."

Red Tree offers a full-service coffee bar, fresh-baked goods (muffins, scones, cinnamon rolls, and "egg things," among others), paninis in five varieties, fresh salads and homemade chicken salad, as highlights of its menu. There’s live music every Friday night, and arts and crafts by local artisans on display and for sale.

The Red Tree seats about 65, and the partners have just broken ground on an outdoor patio, which will include a large expanse of green with picnic tables.

Red Tree Coffee celebrated its SECOND ANNIVERSARY May 10. It’s at 385 N. Main Street in Kingston Springs. Hours are Mondays 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Tues.-Fri. 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Sat. 8 a.m.-1 a.m. Call 952-3107; visit redtreecoffee.com for more information including daily specials.