Surprise: a second ‘Extreme Makeover’ in St. Louis
“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” is taking on a second project in St. Louis. In addition to the Martirez home in Shrewsbury, the team will make over Sam Malek’s coffee shop, More Than Coffee, at 14240 Manchester Road in Manchester. Even the existence of a second project was a secret until the team showed up Thursday morning with the news.
We ran a story on Malek last year. To sum up: He was born in Egypt with cerebral palsy and came to St. Louis for treatment at Children’s Hospital at age 4; he’s now 44 and the father of two teenage sons. He fits this season’s ”EM:HE” theme of “heroes” because the mission of his tiny, drive-through coffee shop is to “help challenged people one cup at a time.” He does that by hiring people with disabilities and giving to charity from his proceeds, with customers helping to decide which organization benefits. Last year, the community rallied to give his struggling business a really big day. That’s when the picture above was taken; Sam is at left, with supporters.
“Sam is a true hero and is a living testimony of the potential all of us can reach when given the opportunity,” says Dave Dunlap of Consolidated Construction Group. “His hard work, perseverance and success are an inspiration to us all…. Sam is an example that hope can prevail.”
“When ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ told us about Sam, again we had to say ‘yes!’,” added John Shea of Callier Thompson Shea. “Sam always puts himself and his needs last, and we are excited to build a new and improved coffee shop for his employees, family and the community that is so dedicated to supporting his mission. Our plan is to complete construction within the next two days.”
The weather did not cooperate today, but here’s a tentative timeline on the build:
Thursday — demolition, foundation and concrete work
Friday — Set building structure; interior finishes
Tuesday — reveal; time TBA
We got to know Sam when he devoted his proceeds during the month of April to MO-FEAT, Missouri Families for the Effective Autism Treatment. We live in St. Charles but we were taking our son to a social skills group near Sam’s Coffee Shop, so we would stop by. Our son lovingly calls him “Mr. Sam”. You will not meet a better person! While I’m happy for the family that was picked I was disappointed that Sam was passed over. My friend called me this evening because she was passing by his shop to run an errand and saw all sorts of construction equipment and a crowd of people. I knew it was Extreme Makeover but had to check online to be sure. Miracles do happen!
People should stop buying coffee from Starbucks, and start supporting Sam because he cares more about people than corporate profits. We could help make a difference and still get a good cup of coffee.
I had heard of Sam’s coffee shop, More Than Coffee, and am inspired by his dedication to running his business with only special needs employees, plus donating a portion of his profits to charity. That is truly amazing! Sam is a blessing to all who come in contact with him, and even a blessing to those who just hear of him. I am delighted More Than Coffee will also get an Extreme Makeover! Thanks to Callier Thompson Shea, Consolidated Construction, EMHE, and all the volunteers - you guys are making 2 huge miracles!
Glad to hear that someone truly deserving is being given a helping hand up! I recall reading that the family who was inspired by their physically impaired son to create an accessible playground was being considered, but never heard any further on whether they had been selected. I guess St. Louis is blessed by all who work to make it a better community! (& I agree w/ the earlier poster, we should have less Starbuck’s, etc., & support our local businesses more!)
Sam heard about Stepping Into the Light Ministry a residential treatment center for homeless addicts in north St. Louis and he knew he could help. Asked what the ministry needed and donated bed sheets and personal hygiene products for the men. Such a giving man. Glad to see him on the recieving end. God is so good.
Wow, that’s extremely cool. I can’t wait to see the episode!
I am so glad that Sam ’s coffee shop got the “Extreme Makeover” ! This shows how a person with a disability can work and give back to their community .