I know, Durham already has some great coffee shops, but the sweet folks behind Foster Street Coffee, which is located on the ground level of the Liberty Warehouse apartments and just steps away from Durham Central Park, believe there’s room for more. More cafes spread throughout the city bring more business in general, and each has their own unique vibe and offerings; Foster Street is no exception. Owner, Tracy Cooper, put in over 20 years working corporate jobs in the finance industry, but as she made her way up the ranks, she realized something was still missing and began to think back to the jobs she enjoyed most in her life, including her former days as a server. With her friendly demeanor and caring nature, it’s easy to see why she’s ready to follow her heart into this new venture. Cooper also brings that special care and attention to all aspects of her business, which, if inspections go as planned, is slated to open next week!

Valerio Coffee Roasters, a small micro roaster of Fair Trade, organic, single origin specialty coffees, will be the main roaster. Valerio, based in Audubon, Pennsylvania, buys coffee from over 25 different countries, all of which is Specialty Grade Coffee, meaning it’s Arabica beans grown at high altitudes 3,000 feet above sea level with only ripe cherries picked. The beans are carefully selected and purchased direct from plantations around the world. “As a company, Valerio believes in the three pillars of sustainability: economic, environmental and social. Rainforest Alliance standards are intended to protect the environment and the rights of workers. Valerio has increased its line of 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified Coffees and has plans to grow this line. They love supporting the Rainforest Alliance because everyone benefits: the grower, the environment, the community, the roaster and the consumer,” Cooper explains.

Cooper is also speaking with a local roaster and is excited about the prospect of more partnerships, and eventually hosting in-shop cuppings.

Along with a unique selection of single origin coffees from around the world, the shop will also serve a variety of delicious teas (MajaTei), and organic smoothies. While food obviously isn’t the main focal point, there will be lots of local treats to try, including vegan pastries from Crumbs Bakery of Durham, and baked goods from Scratch Bakery, Ninth Street Bakery, Strong Arm Baking, Double M Bake Shop, and Micheal’s English Muffins.

“Each of these bakers has something very special to offer and I’m excited to share the love they put into their products with our guests,” says Cooper. “The menu will expand as we get to know our guests.”

The interior of the cafe is a calming combination of blues and white/light gray. It feels modern, yet cozy. A two-way electric fireplace sits in the center and white paper lanterns dangle from the ceiling. Small side tables made by a local woodworker (Dustin Kavanaugh) bring warm tones to the space, as does the large sliding barn door and the large meeting room table–a space that guests will have access to for collaboration, studying sessions, and small celebrations.

Even before the design was in place, Cooper felt there was a unique feeling when she walked into the space: “It just told me this was where I needed to be.” As staff begins training this week, the number one quality Cooper is encouraging in training is product quality, and ensuring that the drinks are carefully and consistently made with quality ingredients and technique. Customer service goes along with the drink quality theory: “We are encouraging customer service skills to create that welcoming environment that feels like home,” Cooper says.

In the months to come, Foster Street Coffee will be joined by the Durham Food Hall on one side of the building, and what is supposed to become the new Dame’s Chicken and Waffles on the other.

Initial hours will be 7:30am – 7pm Monday through Saturday, and 8am – 6pm on Sunday.