321 Coffee to Open Location in Durham, Expanding Across Triangle Region
321 Coffee continues its journey of inclusivity for individuals with disabilities
300 Morris St. in the Durham ID development will be 321 Coffee’s home in downtown Durham.
Durham, N.C. (May 2, 2022) – 321 Coffee announces their newest growth plans to open a location in Durham as part of the Durham ID development at 300 Morris St. The coffee shop and roaster champions a business model of inclusion by employing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and has been incredibly successful in Raleigh with locations at the State Farmers Market, a private cafe at the Pendo headquarters, and another shop opening soon in downtown Raleigh as part of the Bloc[83] development.
Their Durham location is expected to open later in 2022. With this expansion, residents and visitors across the Triangle will be able to sip coffee in support of inclusion.
321 Coffee will serve a full coffee menu, including their fan-favorite rotating specials, and light food offerings. While this store will be their first physical location in Durham, their coffee is already well-known, recently recognized by News and Observer as the best in the Triangle.
Out to change the statistic that 80% of adults with disabilities are unemployed, 321 Coffee is excited to work towards its mission by expanding into Durham. They currently employ over 30 individuals with IDD and frequently receive requests from other prospective employees to join their growing talent network for job openings. The new storefront will offer 321 the opportunity to hire and develop new talent in addition to opening more management and professional development roles for their existing employees.
Barista Emma Wissink shares, “I’m proud to see growth in myself and in our company. I’ve been here since 2017, the very beginning, and I’m proud to be contributing to a team that is growing.”
“Expanding to Durham is awesome because it will grow our business and our impact. We will create new jobs with it. People will see us. People will talk with us. This is what inclusion is all about. This is the value that 321 Coffee brings,” barista Megan Czejkowski adds.
Raleigh has been an incredible home for 321 Coffee. What started as pop-up coffee stands at events in the local area has grown to become a staple in the community. In 2020, the company began roasting its own coffee and now services over fifty business and wholesale partnerships with coffee. The team is excited about this new opportunity in Durham to continue to spread awareness, serve coffee, and leave customers wanting to come back for more.
The company was founded by Lindsay Wrege and Michael Evans, Raleigh entrepreneurs and recent alumni of NC State. The two started 321 Coffee together out of their college dorm rooms in 2017. Wrege and Evans graduated in 2021 and since have worked to expand 321 rapidly.
“Durham ID is bringing together local talent and innovation. We're thrilled for 321 Coffee to be a part of this community to promote diversity and inclusion as part of the future of innovation,” expresses Wrege.
Evans shares, “Thank you, Durham, for cheering us on from down the road. We’re thrilled to be bringing 321 to the Bull City! And thank you to Durham ID for building inclusion into your new community.”
About 321 Coffee
321 Coffee is a coffee shop and roaster focusing on workforce inclusion of individuals with disabilities. Based in Raleigh, the company currently employs over 30 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). 321 baristas do it all: roasting the coffee, taking the orders, and making the lattes. Together they are demonstrating the value of an inclusive business model. Launched in 2017, the company is on a mission to change the statistic that 80% of adults with disabilities are unemployed.
Interested in enjoying 321 Coffee at your home or place of business? Shop the online store at shop.321coffee.com or submit a wholesale inquiry to partner@321coffee.com.