February 12th 2024.
In the bustling city of Baltimore, there is a coffee shop that is more than just a place to grab a cup of joe. Black Acres Roastery, owned by Travis Bell, is a celebration of Black history and culture. The name itself pays homage to Spike Lee's production company, 40 Acres and a Mule, a nod to the unfulfilled promise of reparations for Black Americans.
Bell, a self-proclaimed fan of Spike Lee, wanted to honor him in some way through his business. "Black acres were plots of land in the south that were supposed to be provided for reparations, so that name, the farming aspect of it, the agriculture, just really sat with me," he shared with CBS Baltimore. And thus, Black Acres Roastery was born.
But Bell's journey to owning a coffee shop was not a typical one. He simply wanted easy access to coffee and decided to start roasting his own beans. Over the years, he has built relationships with ethical coffee producers in South America and Africa, and even landed a contract with popular grocery store, Trader Joe's. "We have a huge contract with Trader Joe's, so currently, that is our biggest wholesaler right now," Bell revealed. "We are in 60 stores across the Mid-Atlantic."
But Black Acres Roastery is not just about selling coffee. It's also about building a sense of community. Bell has a local delivery platform that covers most of the city, making it easier for customers to enjoy their coffee. He believes in providing quality coffee to his community and creating opportunities for everyone to have access to it.
Before becoming a coffee shop owner, Bell worked as an occupational therapist and even did travel therapy. He admits that this venture is a big change from his previous career, but he is passionate about his mission. According to their website, Black Acres Roastery aims to bring access to quality coffee to all and to build relationships within the community. "Our relationships from producers to customers make us who we are," the website states. "We believe that making time to engage with one another in meaningful ways is crucial for building relationships and growing communities."
Black Acres Roastery is not just another coffee shop. It is a symbol of resilience, community, and a dedication to providing quality coffee to all. As the saying goes, "A Latte Nerve," and this Baltimore coffee shop is certainly brewing up something special.
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