FOOD
k & drin
LOVELY
LATTES Four new cafes shake up the coffee scene BY L E A H B E RRY
PHOTO GR AP HY BY JO HN MICHAEL SIMPSON
by DNA mapping, celebrates the uniqueness of each team member and customer. 321 Coffee has gained recognition for its acclaimed inhouse roasted coffee, particularly its cold brew. For non-coffee drinkers, it also serves mango iced tea, various brewed teas, chai lattes, hot chocolate and draft Homebucha kombucha. 321 sources its food items – notably its well-loved bear claws, but also sandwiches, salads, overnight oats and yogurt parfaits – from Ninth Street Bakery. The shop reciprocates the community’s support by practicing sustainability, such as transitioning to backyard compostable coffee packaging, and partnering with organizations like Together We Stand NC, Reality Ministries,
North Street Neighborhood and Duke University’s Canine Companions program. 321 Coffee
Brewing Inclusivity
has participated in this season’s “By choosing to get coffee Wednesday Durham Farmers from 321, you’re part of a larger Market as well as Third Friday mission and a larger solution,” Durham Art Walk, and also hosts a Lindsay Wrege says. She and monthly food truck and mocktail Michael Evans co-founded event. The shop recently introduced 321 Coffee, a coffee shop a lunchtime karaoke series to that prioritizes employing enhance the lively atmosphere. individuals with intellectual Despite the challenges posed by and developmental disabilities, COVID-19, 321 Coffee continues in 2017. The shop has grown to make its ground coffee significantly from its humble accessible to customers nationwide beginnings when the team by shipping to all 50 states. would set up folding tables and Moving forward, 321 aims to a home coffee brewer anywhere continue building community and in Raleigh that would welcome create spaces and opportunities ABOVE Barista Travion Campbell hands Anisha Roy her morning cup of joe at them; it’s now established a for people with disabilities to be 321 Coffee. Anisha is an intern at Duke Medical Center and stops in regularly. permanent presence at the State recognized for their contributions, RIGHT Lead barista Emma Wissink presents a meticulously crafted latte. Farmers Market, along with not only in the workforce, but also two additional storefronts and to society as a whole. “321 is all about taking a second to be present,” Lindsay says, “seeing Lindsay realized a long-time dream when 321 opened its doors in people as people, getting to know one another and having fun, all while Durham in December 2022. having a great cup of coffee in the process.” Situated in the dynamic Durham Innovation District, 321 Coffee embraces the Bull City’s socially progressive culture. The coffee shop’s location next to a captivating courtyard fosters a welcoming environment A Warm Cup of Community Omie’s Coffee Shop and Roastery is more than just a coffee destination; for community engagement. it’s a cherished neighborhood sanctuary. Addison Yarbrough, drawing The name “321” holds significant meaning, too, as it symbolizes inspiration from her paternal grandmother, Omie, who deeply believed Down syndrome, a genetic condition caused by three copies of the 21st in the transformative power of unconditional love, re-imagined the chromosome. It reflects 321’s commitment to creating a safe and trusted environment where employees who have various disabilities gain valuable vacant tire shop adjoining King’s Red & White into a cozy cafe that opened in July 2022. skills, confidence and self-belief. The shop’s distinctive decor, inspired 64
|
durhammag.com
|
au g u s t/ s e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 3