Finding a place with a true sense of family is no ordinary thing. A community is lucky indeed if it has a space with the power to make anyone feel like they belong.

The staff at One World Café believes the shop does just that, staff member Katie McWilliams said.

“It’s definitely a home away from home,” McWilliams said. “The crew is very tight knit. It’s like a big group of friends and family.”

One World Café is located on Main Street in downtown Moscow. But it’s not only the community-oriented goods that make it something special, owner and operator Sara Beth Pritchett said.

“I think that One World (Café) offers something different because everything that we sell here is local – locally roasted, locally baked,” Pritchett said. “Come and have a good time, leave your troubles at the door and have fun. Make One World yours.”

Pritchett has worked at One World Café since 2007. It wasn’t until earlier this year that she said she got the chance to invest in the business and she jumped at her opportunity.

“I love the spirit of One World (Café),” Pritchett said. “The name ‘One World’ kind of unifies everyone and makes it a place of welcome.”

Originally owned by two couples affiliated with the University of Idaho, One World Café was opened with the intention of being a place that celebrated community, Pritchett said. The Café has succeeded in becoming a place where passing students and street traffic can find a place of belonging, said Mark McLaughlin, owner and operator of Wild @ Art.

McLaughlin’s business shares a space with the café, and he said even as he looks to expand his own business, he values sharing a space with such community oriented neighbors.

“A lot of times anything’s going on in Moscow, they’re the ones that have brought in the coffee,” McLaughlin said. “I love that they’re an active member of our community.”

Pritchett said sometimes there is a separation between the community of Moscow and the University of Idaho.

“Students don’t really branch out and come and see what this little town is all about,” she said. “It’s a wonderful place.”

That kind of separation is just what One World Café hopes to overturn with their open events, Pritchett said. Open mic, spoken word and literary reading nights are just a few of the events that One World Café offers. They play host to a traditional Irish jam on the first Thursday of every month, and a traditional Bluegrass jam on the last Thursday of every month where anyone is welcome to get in on the action, Pritchett said.

“They have a really good space for it,” McLaughlin said. “It’s just awesome to sit out and watch. I just kind of stand back and watch whose dancing, ’cause you’ll have everybody from small children to the older folks getting in on it. It’s a very welcoming place.”

Pritchett said she hopes One World Café will soon offer free live music every Friday and Saturday night. There are still nights this fall available to perform, and Pritchett encourages those interested in playing live shows to reach out to her. Shows at One World Café start at 8 p.m. and never have a cover charge.

One World Café highlights the diversity of the Moscow community, McWilliams said. It’s a place where you can check your expectations at the door and enjoy art, music and coffee blending in harmony.

“It’s always a good idea to broaden your horizons,” she said. “There’s something for everybody here.”

Head to One World Cafe Friday night 7 p.m. to catch local Mosc w band Plane Champagne. Inspired by artists ranging from D’ Angelo to The Temper Trap, Plane Champagne offers a soulful and upbeat sound. This event is free and open to the public.