Black Crow Coffee Co: Creativity
Embraced by Erin Cody
Black Crow is back, baby! Black Crow Coffee Co’s shops, one in Old Northeast and the other in Grand Central, are both in full swing. Indoor seating has reopened, and art and music events are making a triumphant return. “One thing I realized when we were closed is we are so much more than just a cup of coffee,” says Deana Hawk, who owns Black Crow with her partner, Greg Bauman. Black Crow has a cozy, casual, cool ambiance and a strong sense of community that begets years of passion, care, and commitment.
Space to be yourself
Photos courtesy of @blackcrowcoffeeco
Before Black Crow, Deana worked in hair and makeup. She was on a shoot, driving around with a model and photographer, when she saw the lease sign on the building that is now their Old Northeast shop. “I ran home and told my partner Greg (who owns Indian Shores coffee) that I found the perfect place for a new coffee shop.” Seven years later, the shop and its second location in Grand Central are as strong as ever. Of the great Black Crow ambiance, Deana says, “Being from Black Crow Coffee Co co-owners, Toronto and Seattle, Greg and I both Greg Bauman & Deana Hawk grew up with unique, comfortable coffee shops. I don’t know how to do a black & white space, it doesn’t resonate. When we did the decor, half the stuff came from our house. Organically that foundation set the tone for both of our shops. The rest developed with the creative freedom we gave to our staff and customers.”
“Everything starts from within,” says Deana. “Creating a space for All about community people to be unique and be themselves is important. That’s how the space “We are 30-year veterans of St. Pete.” she continues, “I have seen the became what it is. That is how we live life, giving back in many ways. It’s a city in many different shades, from darkest dark to lightest light. I loved safe space for people...and the comfy chairs make you want to stay.” it here for a long time before we opened the shop. St. Pete has always had
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GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM / JULY 2021
