Mark Bailey, operating manager at Good City Coffee, said the coffee shop was created by The Woodlands-based nonprofit network of churches, Church Project, as a business that donates 100% of its proceeds to Houston-based nonprofits. The effort supports a variety of causes and fulfill its mission to serve the community one cup at a time, he said.

“If you want straight-up good coffee, something with good flavor, that's us,” Bailey said.

After six years, Good City Coffee prides itself on serving fresh quality coffee to ensure a smooth flavor while supporting a cause. Customer favorites include its classic chai latte, high rise mocha and shaken espresso.

The backstory

After retiring from the coffee industry in San Diego at the age of 59 with 35 years of experience, Bailey said he moved to the Houston area and decided to look for a fun job surrounding his passion for coffee.


Coincidentally, while working out at a 24-Hour Fitness, The Woodlands resident Bailey met a member of the Church Project who said his church had plans to open a coffee shop in The Woodlands. Bailey proceeded to get in contact with the Church Project and has operated Good City Coffee since.
The caramel macchiato $4.50 can be served hot or iced. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
The caramel macchiato $4.50 can be served hot or iced. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
The coffee shop opened in April 2018 and offers a house blend and espresso made with organic beans from San Diego.

Located in the same building as Era Pickleball, Good City Coffee also offers an event room where people including homeschooling families gather as well as coffee and free Wi-Fi. The coffee shop also sells coffee by the gallon.

What's special about it?

Good City Coffee donates its proceeds to 12 local rotating nonprofit organizations including The Woodlands-based PACN Pregnancy Assistance Center North and Houston Welcomes Refugees, which offers support to Houston refugees.


Bailey said customers spend money at the coffee shop knowing they will get a quality cup of coffee while supporting a cause. A total of 49% of proceeds come from new customers while 51% come from returning customers, he said.
Good City Coffee supported Hope Beyond Bridges, an organization that feeds and ministers to the Homeless in the Greater Houston Area in November. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
CaptionGood City Coffee supported Hope Beyond Bridges, an organization that feeds and ministers to the Homeless in the Greater Houston Area in November. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
“We highlight an organization every month and promote it on a sign [at the cafe], which changes every month,” Bailey said.

Although the organizations are chosen by the Church Project, Bailey said the cafe is open to other suggestions.

“We're open to any new idea and we're open to supporting any valuable organization that can make a difference,” Bailey said.