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I’m not even exaggerating when I say this coffee shop is good for the creative soul. I discovered Coco and the Director recently, and it is my new happy place in Charlotte NC. The name may have you scratching your head, but please allow me to explain.
How about a little background about the business to start.
First off, Coco and the director is a “beta coffees shop.” If you search the internet for that phrase you probably won’t have much luck finding a definition. This is because it is likely the owners coined this phrase. Coco is connected to, and working with the Marriot Hotel that is next to it.
Typically Marriot partners with Starbucks shops, but Coco is trying to help Marriot break away from the mainstream coffee shop scene. Don’t get me wrong, Starbucks is one of my main go-to’s. But Coco’s goal and vision is something unique and empowering for the community.
The goal of the owners of this shop is to bring people closer to the community, and vice versa. “Coco” is for the community, while “the Director” is us, the customers who come into the store. After chatting with a couple of the girls behind the counter, I learned quite a bit about this business and the goals they have in mind.
Coco sells local treats and brews, items unique to this particular community. They want to spread the word about local businesses and their products. Even if you’ve lived in Charlotte for years, there are probably some local bakeries or breweries you have yet to experience.
Their goal is to open up more of these shops around the country and employ the same concept at each. That being to bring in a taste of the community, to share with the rest of the community as well as travelers passing through.
Another fantastic fact about this shop is that their owner actually goes to the place where their coffee is produced. He likes to be aware of where/how their product is made. Rather than just ordering some product online and hoping for the best. This just goes to show the true difference between a boss and an invested business owner.
If you like your coffee with a little flavor, you’ll be pleased to hear that Coco offers a variety of flavors. Syrups that they hand make in-house. Everything about this shop makes it so unique, compared to more well-known shops, like Starbucks.
They carry traditional flavors such as vanilla and caramel. For those of you who are a little more adventurous, they carry other flavors such as cinnamon and brown sugar.
These two awesome baristas agreed to pose for a photo for me after they gave me the low-down on Coco and everything that makes it so one of a kind.
Don’t let the menu intimidate you. It’s not really as scary as you might think. If you don’t “speak coffee” don’t be shy, ask whoever is behind the counter to explain to you what they have going on there. Still have no idea what you want to drink? Ask for a recommendation, they won’t steer you wrong.
Just the other day I made my second trip to Coco and wasn’t sure what I wanted to drink. I told the girl I was in the mood for something hot and sweet. She suggested I get the Honey Bee Latte, and I wasn’t disappointed. This latte was exactly what I needed after being caught in some serious rain.
Not only are their beverages delicious, the decor is equally as pleasing. The aesthetic in this shop was something out of a lifetime movie. The lighting made me feel so cozy and relaxed, while at the same time putting me into gear to write some seriously awesome blog posts.
The decor followed their aim of being a unique coffee shop, no doubt. Shelves upon shelves of neat little knick-knacks lined the windows by the door. Note the old-fashioned typewriter right there on the left side of the shelf. Unquestionably, my favorite item in the room.
I can absolutely see myself spending some time here in the near future. Whether to spend some time working on my blog or to focus on some crucial studying for upcoming exams.
If you’re ever in the Charlotte area and have time for a pit stop, you won’t regret popping into this place. You can either take a rest and sip on a hot drink, or grab an iced latte and get back on the road. Either way, there’s never a bad time for a coffee. 😉
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