Brad’s background as a firefighter has always required balancing multiple roles. "Most firefighters have second jobs," he explains, "and at the time, I was also teaching paramedic students.” Brad and Tish were regulars at Seventh Square Coffee when they heard that the original owner, Nick Carlson, was considering selling the business. The thought of buying it seemed far-fetched at first.

“What if God is trying to get us to move on this?” Brad asked. Tish initially dismissed the idea as “crazy talk,” but it stuck with both of them. After weeks of reflection and conversations with Nick, they decided to dive in, learning everything they could about roasting and running a coffee shop. “It felt like the right move,” Brad recalls, and in June, they officially became the new owners.

Seventh Square Coffee is much more than a place to grab a latte. For Brad and Tish, the heart of the business lies in building a welcoming community. “We’ve got people from all walks of life gathering here,” Brad says. "These are folks who might not meet anywhere else, but they come in, drink coffee, and strike up conversations."

The Jowerses strive to create a unique, laid-back atmosphere. Instead of the mellow background music typical of coffee shops, they opt for upbeat tunes to enhance the energy of the space. "We want people to feel at home—whether they come in every day or just once."

Leadership is central to both Brad’s firefighting career and his role at Seventh Square. As a fire captain, Brad leads by inspiring others rather than managing them.

He brings the same philosophy to the coffee shop, encouraging his employees to take pride in their work.“Whether you're a firefighter, barista, or coach, excellence in your craft matters,” he says. Brad hopes that by leading with intention, his employees will feel empowered to grow and excel in their roles.

When Brad and Tish took over the shop, their goal was to maintain its essence. “We wanted the transition to feel seamless for the customers,” Brad explains. They’ve kept much of what the previous owner, Nick, built while adding small touches - like new menu items and merchandise.The name “Seventh Square” reflects the shop’s roots at a farmer’s market on 7th Square in West Monroe. “It’s part of the shop’s story,” Brad shares. "We saw no reason to change it."

Seventh Square Coffee prides itself on serving high-quality, specialty coffee. Brad roasts all the beans himself, working with import agencies and even a farmer from Nicaragua.

Some standout menu items include their brisket toast and Mediterranean toast, which started as a limited-time option but became so popular they had to keep it. "We’ve got one customer who tells us it’s the best thing we’ve ever offered," Brad says. For coffee lovers, he recommends his personal favorite - the honey latte. "It’s my go-to,” he said.

The Jowerses have exciting plans for the future. They’re working with the city to create an outdoor deck to expand seating. "Our space is small, but that’s part of its charm,” Brad says. "People can’t help but connect here."On the wholesale side, they’re expanding their coffee roasting business. They’ve already partnered with a new restaurant in Monroe and a local church, and they hope to continue growing this side of the business in the coming years.

For Brad and Tish, the most rewarding part of owning Seventh Square is the people. “Hearing customers say we have the best coffee in town means the world to us,” Brad shares. Whether it’s locals or travelers passing through, the shop has become a hub of connection and community.“We just want people to give us a chance,” Brad says. "Once they do, they usually come back." So, whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime customer, Seventh Square Coffee welcomes you to stop by, grab a cup, and experience what makes this little shop so special.