When Daniel Shaughnessy opened the Alpha & Omega Coffee House in September 2011, he did so with a vision.

“I’ve been sober for 21 years and wanted a family-friendly coffee house for all ages in an alcohol-free environment,” he said.

Alpha & Omega, at 1015 N. Meridian in downtown Puyallup, is open seven days a week. Its menu offers a variety of choices, and breakfast is served all day.

Shaughnessy said food is the coffee house’s specialty.

“We serve home-style food, homemade cinnamon rolls, cookies, bread, homemade hamburger buns and French toast made with cinnamon bread,” he said.

Two pool tables are free for guests to use, and youth groups and businesspeople frequent the establishment for meetings.

Wednesday nights feature karaoke, and people gather for open mic night on Thursdays. Shaughnessy said he sees everything from singing to poetry reading.

Dustin Poe and Kelsea Sumpter said they like being able to meet at Alpha & Omega and play pool. Sumpter, 17, who said she has been sober for 90 days, appreciates the alcohol-free environment.

“It is cool to hang out where they don’t serve alcohol,” she said.

Friday and Saturday nights bring in live music with groups like the Krystle Pyette Band.

Pyette said her band plays everything from contemporary to Christian to Rock ’n’ Roll.

A recent night found them adding Christmas music to the mix, and as they set up, Pyette said Alpha & Omega has a great atmosphere.

“People are excited for a family-friendly place where you can bring kids,” she said.

Shaughnessy said he has been involved in the ministry for years. On Tuesday nights, the coffee house hosts Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered, 12-step recovery program. It gives people an opportunity to deal with addiction issues in their lives. The meetings begin at 6 p.m. with dinner, and it’s followed by worship, announcements, a lesson, a break and small groups.

Alpha & Omega is available for rent at 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday evenings for $50 per hour, and the first hour is free with the purchase of food. The restaurant can seat parties of up to 74 people.

The business employs 15 people who deliver food and visit with customers. Parking is available on the side of the building and in back.

“Our business is about people having a safe and comfortable place to be hospitable,” Shaughnessy said. “I love it here.”

On Sundays, the restaurant runs a church service.

“Being a Christian isn’t boring,” Shaughnessy said.

If you go

Alpha & Omega, 1015 N. Meridian in downtown Puyallup, is open seven days per week:

 • Monday and Tuesday: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 • Wednesday and Thursday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

 • Friday and Saturday: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

 • Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Joan Cronk is a freelance reporter for the Herald.