News Summary
Cocoa Cinnamon, a renowned coffee business in Durham, North Carolina, has become a pillar of the community through its commitment to sustainability and local engagement. Since its inception in 2010, it has grown from a mobile coffee service to three thriving cafes, emphasizing inclusivity, diverse offerings, and support for marginalized coffee producers. The recent acquisition of a dedicated roastery building highlights its commitment to quality and community. Cocoa Cinnamon’s dedication to blending culture with innovative practices makes it a leader in North Carolina’s coffee scene.
Durham, North Carolina: Cocoa Cinnamon Enhances Community and Sustainability in Local Coffee Scene
Cocoa Cinnamon, a prominent coffee business and café in Durham, North Carolina, has established itself as a vital part of the local culinary and cultural landscape through a focus on community engagement and sustainable practices. Since its founding in 2010, the establishment has grown from modest beginnings to a celebrated destination for coffee enthusiasts across the state and beyond.
Founding and Growth
The company was initially co-founded in 2010 by Areli Barrera Grodski in collaboration with Little Waves Coffee Roasters. Originally operating from a kitchen in Jackson County, North Carolina, Cocoa Cinnamon migrated to Durham in 2011. It first launched as a mobile bike coffee service, bringing coffee directly to local neighborhoods before opening its first physical café in 2013 with strong community support.
Current Operations and Offerings
Today, Cocoa Cinnamon operates three distinct cafes throughout Durham, each featuring unique wall art and diverse menus designed to appeal to a broad audience. A highlight of their menu is the “Wonder Menu,” a rotating selection of seasonal beverages that consistently generates excitement among patrons. The cafes serve as community hubs, emphasizing inclusivity and local culture.
Expansion and This Year’s Milestones
Complementing the cafes, Little Waves Coffee Roasters was introduced to serve as a dedicated roastery, which has expanded significantly over the years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the roastery experienced notable growth, as it began shipping coffee internationally and became a national and global source of specialty coffee. Recently, Cocoa Cinnamon acquired its first dedicated building, enabling the installation of a 5,000-pound coffee roaster. This upgrade allows the company to roast larger batches, thus increasing production efficiency to meet growing demand.
Community and Cultural Impact
Barrera Grodski highlights Durham’s community-oriented environment as integral to the success of Cocoa Cinnamon. The business actively supports local initiatives, prioritizes diversity, and employs a workforce predominantly composed of women from immigrant backgrounds. This emphasis on cultural heritage and inclusivity underscores the company’s broader mission of fostering community resilience and social equity.
Sustainability and Local Engagement
The company emphasizes sustainability across its operations, focusing on reducing waste and adopting energy-efficient practices. Cocoa Cinnamon also promotes a sustainable supply chain by actively establishing relationships with coffee producers, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. The company’s community coffee program encourages customers to contribute to initiatives helping others access coffee, thus reinforcing a sense of shared purpose.
Recognition and Special Events
Cocoa Cinnamon has gained recognition within North Carolina’s food and coffee scene for blending heritage with innovative coffee offerings. For example, during the recent US Coffee competition weekend, each location featured unique specialty coffees, including selections from international producers and high-demand sources. Additionally, Little Waves Coffee Roasters was honored as “Micro Roaster of the Year” by Roast Magazine, a recognition of its dedication to diversity and sustainability.
Future Directions
Looking forward, Cocoa Cinnamon continues to expand its community engagement and ecological initiatives. The company’s commitment to supporting marginalized coffee producers and fostering an inclusive environment remains central to its mission. Its ongoing efforts aim to strengthen Durham’s cultural identity and promote sustainable business practices for years to come.
Summary
In sum, Cocoa Cinnamon exemplifies a successful integration of community support, cultural diversity, and sustainable practices within North Carolina’s vibrant coffee scene. Its growth from a local startup to a recognized leader highlights the importance of local engagement, innovative business models, and a focus on social impact.
FAQs
- Where is Cocoa Cinnamon located? Durham, North Carolina.
- When was Cocoa Cinnamon founded? 2010, with the first café opening in 2013.
- What is the “Wonder Menu”? A rotating seasonal beverage menu that excites customers.
- What recent expansion has Cocoa Cinnamon achieved? Acquisition of a building and installation of a 5,000-pound coffee roaster.
- What recognition has Little Waves Coffee Roasters received? It was named “Micro Roaster of the Year” by Roast Magazine.
- What is the company’s emphasis on sustainability? Reducing waste, energy efficiency, and supporting marginalized coffee producers.
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Additional Resources
- ABC11: Cocoa Cinnamon Blends Heritage and Community
- Sprudge: A Brewer’s Cup Level Menu at Cocoa Cinnamon
- Indy Week: Interview with Areli Barrera Grodski
- News Observer: Durham Coffee Shop’s Impact
- WRAL: Sipping Stories at Cocoa Cinnamon
- Wikipedia: Durham, North Carolina
- Google Search: Cocoa Cinnamon Durham
- Google Scholar: Cocoa Cinnamon coffee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Durham
- Google News: Cocoa Cinnamon
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
