JEROME — When people walk in to Renew, co-owner Will Ritter doesn’t want to think of them in terms of the value they bring to him or his staff. He wants his customers to know they are priceless and worth dying for. He uses this mentality to train his staff to connect emotionally and spiritually with customers and be a source of support for the community.
“We really do what we feel like God has called us to do, which is pour into our community,” Ritter said.
Renew opened on Main Street in Jerome almost three years ago and sells specialty coffee, sandwiches and snacks, but it also doubles as a community center and church space. Ritter said the purpose of the shop has always been beyond that of a business, and that every part of staff training is tailored so people feel valued.
“The staff aren’t even allowed to say ‘how are you?’…
