Durham, North Carolina, is already known for its vibrant coffee scene, but there’s always room for a new favorite. Foster Street Coffee, nestled on the ground floor of the Liberty Warehouse apartments, a stone’s throw from Durham Central Park, is ready to become just that. The team behind Foster Street Coffee believes in enriching the city’s landscape with more cafes, each contributing its own unique flavor and offerings to the community. Foster Street Coffee is no exception, bringing a fresh and welcoming vibe to the Bull City.
From Finance to Foster Street: A Passion for Coffee and Community
Tracy Cooper, the owner of Foster Street Coffee, embodies this fresh spirit. After a successful 20-year career in the corporate finance world, Tracy realized she was missing something. Reflecting on her most enjoyable work experiences, she recalled her days in the service industry and felt a pull towards creating a space where she could connect with people. Tracy’s warm personality and genuine care for others make her perfectly suited for this new chapter, driven by her passion to create a welcoming neighborhood coffee shop.
Tracy’s dedication to quality and care is evident in every aspect of Foster Street Coffee. With anticipation building, the coffee shop is poised to open its doors very soon, pending final inspections.
Savoring Specialty Coffee: The Valerio Roasters Experience
At the heart of Foster Street Coffee is a commitment to exceptional coffee. They’ve partnered with Valerio Coffee Roasters, a micro-roaster based in Audubon, Pennsylvania, known for their Fair Trade, organic, single-origin specialty coffees. Valerio sources beans from over 25 countries, ensuring only Specialty Grade Coffee – Arabica beans grown at high altitudes of 3,000 feet above sea level, harvested with only the ripest cherries. These carefully selected beans are purchased directly from plantations worldwide, emphasizing ethical and sustainable practices.
“Valerio operates on the three pillars of sustainability: economic, environmental, and social,” explains Cooper. “They are committed to Rainforest Alliance standards, which protect both the environment and workers’ rights. Valerio is expanding their line of 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified Coffees because it’s a win-win for everyone – the growers, the environment, the community, the roaster, and ultimately, our customers.” Foster Street Coffee is also exploring partnerships with local roasters and plans to host in-shop coffee cuppings, further enriching the coffee experience.
More Than Coffee: Teas, Smoothies, and Local Durham Treats
Beyond their impressive coffee selection, Foster Street Coffee offers a diverse menu to cater to all tastes. Enjoy a variety of delicious teas from MajaTei and organic smoothies for a refreshing alternative. While coffee is the star, Foster Street Coffee also highlights the best of Durham’s local bakeries. Patrons can indulge in vegan pastries from Crumbs Bakery of Durham, and baked goods from beloved local names like Scratch Bakery, Ninth Street Bakery, Strong Arm Baking, Double M Bake Shop, and Micheal’s English Muffins.
“Each of these bakers puts so much love and care into their products, and I’m thrilled to share that with our guests,” Cooper shares. “We envision our menu evolving as we get to know our community and their preferences.”
A Modern and Cozy Durham Coffee Shop Ambiance
The interior design of Foster Street Coffee creates a tranquil and inviting atmosphere. The calming color palette of blues, white, and light gray provides a modern yet cozy feel. A central two-way electric fireplace adds warmth, while white paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling contribute to the soft lighting. Unique small side tables crafted by local woodworker Dustin Kavanaugh and a large sliding barn door bring natural, warm tones into the space. A spacious meeting room table is available for guests to collaborate, study, or host small gatherings, reinforcing the community-focused spirit of the cafe.
Even before the design was finalized, Tracy felt a special connection to the space. “Walking in here, it just felt right, like this was exactly where Foster Street Coffee needed to be.”
Quality and Welcoming Service at Foster Street Coffee
As the staff training commences, Tracy emphasizes product quality and consistent drink preparation using high-quality ingredients and techniques. Equally important is customer service. “We are focused on cultivating exceptional customer service skills to create a welcoming, home-like environment,” Cooper explains.
Looking ahead, Foster Street Coffee is set to be joined by the Durham Food Hall and the anticipated Dame’s Chicken and Waffles, further enhancing the area’s appeal.
Foster Street Coffee’s initial operating hours will be 7:30 am to 7:00 pm, Monday through Saturday, and 8:00 am to 6:00 pm on Sundays. Make sure to visit Durham’s newest coffee destination and experience the unique charm of Foster Street Coffee.
