Homer's Coffee House, the nonprofit coffeehouse at 7126 W. 80th St. near Metcalf Avenue, will celebrate a quarter-century in downtown Overland Park with an anniversary event on Sept. 12.

The morning portion runs from 9 a.m. to noon with 12 to 13 local vendors and limited-edition birthday drinks. Live music kicks off at 6:30 p.m., reuniting original performers who have played at Homer's since it opened in 2001. Founder Jim Mathis plans to perform.

Mathis, a Kansas City-area member of the Christian Business Men's Committee, launched Homer's as a family-friendly alternative to bars with live music. He named it after his CBMC friend Homer Anderson. The shop operates as a 501(c)(3), built around what its website calls three pillars: coffee, community and compassion.

Executive director Byron Whetstone took over in 2008 when Mathis stepped away to focus on other ministry and artistic ventures. Winkler joined as a barista in the early 2000s and now oversees daily operations.

The music lineup has broadened over the years. Early shows featured primarily Christian musicians; the stage now hosts jazz, rock and student showcases, including performances by Indian Woods Middle School groups. On the first Sunday of each month, Homer's hosts public worship in the front of the shop, and congregations including The Table in Kansas City and Anchor Her, a faith-based nonprofit supporting women after incarceration or domestic violence, meet there weekly.

Coffee drinks are made with beans from Anthem Roasters, and the menu includes Italian sodas, sandwiches and all-day breakfast.

Looking ahead, Whetstone said leadership is exploring roasting its own beans and potentially opening a second or third location elsewhere in Johnson County. Olathe and Lenexa have been mentioned as possibilities, though nothing has been signed.

The Sept. 12 event is open to the public at 7126 W. 80th St. in downtown Overland Park. For more information, call (913) 381-6022.