In downtown Prairie Grove in Washington County, Northwest Arkansas, Magnolia House is more than just a coffee shop. About 15 miles southwest of Fayetteville, it blends bistro, bakery, and music venue — a spot where locals grab coffee through the drive-thru at 6 a.m., enjoy scratch-made lunches, or linger over Saturday brunch with live music.

Owner Rachel Brick, a lifelong musician who spent three decades performing around the world with her husband, purchased Magnolia House in October 2024. Her decision was driven by both passion and family.

“My father always asked me what I would do when I got too old to play music,” she said. “He told me I should open a place like this. We opened Magnolia House in his memory.”

Rachel invested her savings to buy the business and set aside funds for reserves. But soon after taking over, she faced a series of unexpected challenges: broken equipment, major electrical issues, and her lack of experience in the food and beverage industry.

“I didn’t realize everything would be breaking all the time,” she admitted. “I had no clue what I was getting into — it’s been a total life learning experience.”

When her savings ran out and predatory daily loans began eating into her sales, Rachel feared she might have to close, taking with it a beloved gathering spot for the community. A friend introduced her to accountant Akira Morishita, a former Communities Unlimited (CU) Management Consultant, who helped her get her books in order. Seeing how serious the situation was, Akira referred her to CU’s Lending Team.

With support from Debra Williams, CU’s Area Director of Lending — and a fellow Prairie Grove neighbor — Rachel secured two loans from CU, funded by the Walton Family Foundation (WFF). The first covered payroll during a critical week, and the second paid off predatory lenders and consolidated debt into a manageable monthly payment.

CU’s funding allowed Rachel to stabilize Magnolia House, preserving it not only as her dream but as a vital community resource — a place for neighbors to connect over coffee, food, and music.

Rachel continues working closely with CU’s Lending Team and Akira to manage her finances, track costs, and build sustainable growth. She credits CU and the Walton Family Foundation for helping her keep Magnolia House alive for the community.

“I appreciate y’all,” she said.