As a business owner without a brick and mortar or dedicated office space, one of my favorite things to do is find a coffee shop (although I’m a tea drinker) or bakery with a good vibe to release my creativity and get some work done to build my business. Here are five Black-owned coffee shops and bakeries in the Atlanta area that always get my creative juices flowing:
1. just add honey tea company
Walking into just add honey, you just feel good. At both locations—the original one in the Sweet Auburn Market and the newest one on the Beltline – not far from Krog Street Market—the walls are bright, the air smells delicious, and the staff are always smiling. There are shelves full of various loose leaf tea flavors, and I have yet to be disappointed with any of the ones I’ve tried. While they specialize in teas, coffee is also available, if you prefer. The Sweet Auburn Market location offers countertop space as well as outdoor seating, while the Beltline location offers more communal seating. Both are great places to work solo or with a small group.
2. Urban Grind
Tucked into a corner on Marietta Street, Urban Grind is a bit of an oasis. On the outside, the street is constantly bustling, but inside offers a calmer atmosphere. Whether you prefer comfortable couches or high-backed chairs at the counter, there’s plenty of seating and space to work or meet. The baristas are really knowledgeable and friendly and set the atmosphere to create a really comfortable place with a good vibe – great for productivity.
3. BUZZ Coffee and Winehouse
Buzz Coffee is a neighborhood coffee spot with an added bonus: wine! Although it opened just recently, I can already tell that this will be a gem in Cascade Heights. With lots of small tables, and a few chairs at the bar, you will be able to get a lot of work done. This is also a great place to convene. Buzz Coffee, in the short time that it has been open, is positioning itself as the center of the community by hosting various community events. Everything from wine tastings to neighborhood meetings. If you can handle a little bit of noise while you work, and want to keep up with what is happening and learn how you can impact it, this is the place you want to be.
4. Endulge & Jayida Ché Herbal Tea Spot
I share these two together because, although they are separate businesses, they are co- located in the same East Atlanta space. Endulge offers perfectly flavored, moist cupcakes while Jayida Ché Herbal Tea Spot has everything you need for a perfect cup of (hot or cold) tea. While I typically will grab and go, there is some seating and lots of windows to allow for natural light and people watching while you work. In addition to the delicious food and drinks, I always leave feeling inspired by the murals and artwork sprinkled around East Atlanta.
5. Kupcakerie
Located in downtown East Point, Kupcakerie is a cute storefront that is perfect for a Saturday afternoon work session. They offer more than 15 delicious cupcake flavors, each a perfect balance of cake and icing. The front of the store has a few tables and a couch to work as you enjoy your sweets. There is a back room that is sometimes available to work, and is also a good space to host an event, like a meet-up, a pop up shop, or launch party.