Entrepreneur Brian Roberts has found a way to elevate his mission to amplify Black-owned businesses.
He has been the proud owner of The Black Pantry since 2020 and is now set to open Good Karma Coffee in February 2024, Startland News reports. The shared space will have the two business operating side by side in a new location, which he describes as an “elevated Black coffee space.” Located at 3134 Gillham Rd. in Kansas City, MO, doors are open on an invitation basis until full launch.
“Every Saturday we’ve been doing things like inviting different groups, playing with our menu, and getting the team some experience,” Roberts told the outlet. “I’d say I’ve attracted some of the best baristas in the city.”
Customers visiting Good Karma Coffee can look forward to trying out locally sourced products, including signature roasts from Marcell Coffee, while also learning about the origins of their coffee.
“If you want to have a pour-over in front of you, the barista can do it while explaining the origins of the coffee, and the roasting processes,” Roberts explained. “So, you get this elevated experience one-on-one.”
He later added, “Coffee culture within Kansas City… It was kind of like copy-paste, very transactional. For us, coffee is about exchange and giving.”
What’s more, while customers are sipping on a beverage of their choice, they can walk over to its retail space and discover Black-owned businesses. This was an intentional move by Roberts.
“You might come for the coffee, to discover something new with the products,” he said.
Looking ahead, Roberts hope to expand the shop’s offerings to wine and beer from Vine Street Brewery Co., Missouri’s first Black-owned brewery. It is all about establishing a unique and meaningful experience for locals.
“It’s up to me to build something, and I feel like I know where I am as far as a business is to create something cool,” he expressed.