By Lindsey Clute
Photography by Rich Smith
Chattanooga is a city rich with creativity, character, and community – qualities reflected in the many small businesses that call it home. Each has a story to tell, and Together Café is no exception. Nestled in the heart of Highland Park, the café is a local gem deeply rooted in passion and purpose.
Tucked away from the bustle of downtown at the corner of South Orchard Knob Avenue and Kirby Avenue, the café’s bright white exterior and welcoming “we’re open” sign invite visitors inside. While the structure may seem like any other coffee shop at first glance, its mission is anything but ordinary.
Founder, Deven Wallace
“We are more than just a ‘give back’ café,” founder Deven Wallace shares. “We are a business in the city that is fully devoted to the mission of ending human trafficking. Here, all of our profits – after we take care of our business and employees – are invested back into the community. We are also partnered with other local nonprofits that have the same vision.”
It all began in 2005, when Wallace was working to rescue and support victims of human trafficking. She envisioned creating something the community could enjoy that would raise awareness of the injustice happening in our city while also raising funds to help survivors.
Shortly before the café opened, the Together Coalition, a group of faith-based organizations united by the mission to end human trafficking, came together with the belief that their impact would be greater through collaboration. Under Wallace’s leadership, the group launched Together Café in 2018.
“The name of the café is special,” Wallace explains. “We use the word ‘together’ because it says ‘to get her.’”
That intentional choice of name is carried through every detail of the café’s design, even down to its logo. Displayed on the side of the building, the logo features the word “together,” with the “g-e-t” highlighted in red to emphasize the double entendre. The “o” in the word is displayed as a fingerprint, further symbolizing the organization’s goal.
The café offers a full menu of espresso and coffee – including signature classics and seasonal delights – as well as tea, desserts, and more, with each sale benefiting the cause.
“Together Café partners with local businesses like Mayfly Coffee to offer the best quality coffee,” says Wallace. “But our menu goes beyond coffee. We offer malasadas – Hawaiian donuts – by Wiki-Licious Chattanooga, smoothies, frappés, boba refreshers, hot tea, soup, and sandwiches. Our best sellers are our milk and honey latte and Dubai chocolate latte.”
Wallace’s goal is that everyone who supports the local business understands the difference they’re making in the lives of women and children who are victims of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
“Our hope is that they not only enjoy our coffee and what we offer but also that they know they play a part in our mission by visiting and purchasing from our café,” she shares. “The goal is to change the world – one cup of coffee at a time.”
