Race Street Coffee’s origin story is as unique as its brews, beginning unexpectedly with a garden – or rather, the “Stolen Garden” incident that captured local attention. For my wife and I, relocating to Riverside in 2012 was more than just a change of address; it was an opportunity to deeply engage with our new community. We found our entry point through a volunteer group dedicated to creating a community garden on Race Street. This initial spark of community involvement blossomed into the Riverside Art District (RAD), a non-profit organization we were instrumental in establishing.
Through RAD, we channeled our energy into revitalizing Race Street, organizing vibrant street festivals, bustling markets, and impromptu art exhibitions. Our mission was simple: to showcase the untapped potential and inherent charm of Race Street to a wider audience. It was during my involvement with this organization that I first heard about the intriguing purchase of the “Joe Coffey Bail Bonds” building by a “coffee guy from Oak Cliff.”
This “coffee guy” was Shannon Neffendorf, a passionate home coffee roaster who had cultivated a thriving coffee roasting business from the ground up in his Oak Cliff shed. Oak Cliff, much like Riverside, is a neighborhood brimming with character and community spirit. In 2008, Shannon took a leap of faith, leaving behind his accounting job at Blockbuster to fully immerse himself in his burgeoning venture, Oak Cliff Coffee Roasters.
My parallel journey into the world of specialty coffee was fueled by my career as an event photographer. This profession offered me the incredible privilege of traveling across numerous American cities. In each new location, a personal ritual emerged: discovering and experiencing the best local coffee shops. It was through these explorations that I developed a deep appreciation for specialty coffee culture, captivated by the nuances of flavor and the sense of community these cafes fostered.
Learning of Shannon’s acquisition of the Race Street property around 2015 felt like a pivotal moment. Compelled to be part of this exciting development, I reached out to Shannon with a straightforward message: “Whatever you’re doing, I want to be involved.” This initial contact blossomed into the partnership that defines Race Street Coffee today. We embarked on a collaborative journey, meticulously crafting a business plan, delving into discussions about cafe culture, and thoughtfully envisioning the essence of our future coffee shop. Shannon’s experience was invaluable; he had already successfully launched Davis Street Espresso in Oak Cliff and Yellow House in Lubbock, demonstrating a keen understanding of specialty coffee, community-centric cafe creation, and exceptional hospitality. Finally, in May 2018, construction commenced. By November 2019, I made the decisive move to leave my long-standing career in event photography to dedicate myself fully to launching and operating Race Street Coffee. Since then, we’ve been enthusiastically embracing the journey, truly “off to the Races.”
