When Coffee Becomes Community: The Screaming Bean Rallies for Kevin Peters

NATIONWIDE - SEPTEMBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) — In late July, The Screaming Bean proved that community was stronger than ever thanks to the philanthropic efforts of a local community coffee shop. Every single dollar earned—whether from a hot coffee, a breakfast sandwich, or a midday snack—was donated in full to support Kevin Peters and his family. In an act that defined the very heart of the business, The Screaming Bean declined to keep a single penny of profit. 

“It wasn’t just about coffee—it was about community,” said owner Martin Grams. And the community showed up in force. 

Kevin Peters was recently involved in a serious accident that required numerous surgeries. When a friend of the family reached out to Martin with the news, he immediately turned to his staff for guidance.

“It was not even 60 seconds over the phone when Kaylie Sprissler, the manager of our second location, said ‘Let’s do it,’” Martin recalled. “So, we did it.”

Unlike fundraisers that donate a portion of sales from a specific item, The Screaming Bean committed everything. For one day, 100% of sales were directed to Kevin’s family, and on top of that, the business donated an additional $1,000 of its own. 

The move sparked a wave of attention on social media. Many pointed out that the shop would take a financial loss that day. Martin’s response? “That was okay with us. Naturally, we would be out of business if we did that every day—but this was just for one day.” 

The community response was overwhelming. Customers from across Harford County—and even beyond—lined up to give back. At one point, the line wrapped out the door and around the building. The drive-thru had to be shut down because cars stretched so far into the lot.

Neighbors gave up parking spaces so more people could attend. Some customers came twice, just to give more. Regulars exchanged fist-bumps with baristas, and friends of Kevin showed up to lend support. Kevin’s mother and sister stopped in to witness the generosity firsthand. 

Inside both locations, the atmosphere was electric. Donation jars filled quickly. Guests signed up for the loyalty program to stay connected. What could have been an ordinary Wednesday turned into something extraordinary—an unforgettable display of generosity and heart for someone many had never even met.

Later that afternoon, The Screaming Bean was honored with an official Legislator Citation from Patrick S. Vincenti, President of the Harford County Council. The citation recognized the shop for “continually uplifting local initiatives and philanthropic causes in our Harford County communities,” and proudly declared The Screaming Bean as “where community happens.”

For Martin, the recognition hit home. “Too often, the word community is used as a marketing tool—plastered on signs and websites by businesses hoping to evoke a sense of belonging,” says Martin Grams, owner of The Screaming Bean. “In Harford, Cecil, and Baltimore Counties, you’ll see ‘community hub’ or ‘community space’ used interchangeably with what really amounts to saying. 'we have space with tables and chairs so please come patronize us.' But true community is not defined by décor or convenience—it is defined by contribution. At The Screaming Bean, we do not brag about being a community hub. We prefer to demonstrate by action and leave the recognition to the customers. At The Screaming Bean, we believe we should always be giving something back. That’s why this recognition from Harford County is so meaningful to us. Awards are nice—we have a few already—but being seen for who we truly are? That is what matters most.”    

The fundraiser for Kevin Peters was more than a financial effort—it was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a coffee shop becomes something larger than itself. 

“We’re still catching our breath from the turnout, and our hearts are full,” Martin said. “We were reminded what happens when a place is not just where you grab a drink, but where community happens.”

In Harford County that day, coffee wasn’t just served—it united an entire community.

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