Pictured, is Mad Hatters Cafe and Co-op on Main Street in Athens.
Terry Johnston opened a coffee shop with a lot of extras in downtown Athens in 2013. She had been thinking about the Mad Hatter’s tea party in Alice and Wonderland and thought it would be a good name. Thus, her new adventure became Mad Hatters Café and Co-op where she of course also sold tea.
Johnston had studied culinary herbalism and medicine. About two years ago, she added the White Rabbit Apothecary to her café.
“I integrate my studies into the menu,” said Johnston. “And I make custom teas to order – organic of course.”
In the fall of 2018, Johnston moved her café to “the top of the hill” as the Valley locals call it. She is still on Main Street in Athens, but further north. She and her family – husband John and son Zach – did all the remodeling and opened the new café in November 2018. In her new location she shares her building with 911 Earth.
“We share a lot of customers,” said Johnston. “And values.”
Zack and Terry Johnston are pictured at Mad Hatters Cafe and Co-op.
Johnston offers quite a variety to her menu. This includes daily specials, a variety of soups, sandwiches and salads. The soups, salads and sandwiches vary weekly, although the popular “grown up grilled cheese” sandwich is always on the menu. She is famous for her “build your own breakfasts” which include different fillings, meats, cheeses, veggies and other things. She grinds her own peanuts, cashews and almonds to offer fresh ground natural butters. Drinks include hot coffee and tea, hot cocoa, lattes and cappuccinos.
Johnston makes all her own syrups in house using natural ingredients. She uses local and organic ingredients and offers vegan and gluten free options. Her coffee is organic, roasted fresh by Virgin Bean Coffee owned by Frank Hobby.
“We’re the only place in the Valley that has espresso,” said Johnston.
The White Rabbit Apothecary at Mad Hatters Café.
Johnston has regular customers who appreciate her culinary talents. One of those people is Susie Dukes, who eats there fairly regularly and loves it.
“It’s always fresh quality, fresh ingredients that you can mix and match in endless ways,” said Dukes. “I like it that she can accommodate different food allergies. It’s a great place to go and have a quiet visit with a friend.”
“They are very friendly and accommodating,” added Dukes. “It’s like having a little tea shop.”
Kathe Farrell is a regular customer of Mad Hatters Cafe.
“I get my peanut butter here because it’s natural,” said Farrell, adding, “It’s just peanuts; no additives.”
“It’s really difficult to find a place I can eat,” continued Farrell. “It meets my dietary needs which are very specific after having a bone marrow stem cell transplant that leaves me with a compromised immune system.”
Even when regular customers leave the area, they are drawn to Mad Hatters when they come back to visit.
Unique decor at Mad Hatters Café.
Lucinda Gwin used to live in the area, but moved about two years ago. When she returns to visit, Mad Hatters is one of her stops.
“I saw that they were open and I thought it would be a good idea to stop in for lunch before our road trip home,” said Gwin. “The food is good.”
Several people who have dined at Mad Hatters Café for the first time have said it was a great experience.
Drew and Heather Ruegg were trying Mad Hatters for the first time on the recommendation of her cousin.
“It’s excellent,” said Drew Ruegg, as he ate the “Piggy Wrap” filled with egg, bacon, sausage, ham and cheese that he had ordered.
The Mad Hatter Café is open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., on Wednesday until 7 p.m., and on Saturday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. For more information, find her on Facebook or call (570) 731 -7183.
Johnston also gives back to her community, offering the “Mad Kitchen Club.” This is a free program for children ages 10 to 14, teaching them how to make their own healthy after-school snacks in a fun and creative environment at the Mad Hatters Café. The United Way of Bradford County, Valley Project GROW, The Mad Hatter Café and the local community donors help to support this program.
Johnston loves all that she does at the Mad Hatters Café and Co-op, offering her community a wonderful healthy place to eat. But she isn’t stopping there. She purchased the lot next door in order to add a children’s garden with outdoor seating in front and additional parking in back. She hopes to start this project in the spring.
On Saturday, Dec. 8, Mad Hatters Cafe will be one of the ten artisans open for the 2018 Holiday Artisan Trail. This is a self-guided tour of some of the valley artisans’ homes, studios or businesses that offer a variety of unique items.
“All the best people come here,” said Terry Johnston. “We have the best customers!”
You can learn more about the upcoming Holiday Artisan Trail at www.facebook.com/HolidayArtisanTrail.
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