NC-13 Small Business Spotlight: Cultivate Coffee Roasters
Across the country, in every small town and big city, friends gather at coffee shops to chat, share stories, and build community. Coffee may be the excuse to come together, but it’s the people who matter.
Cultivate Coffee Roasters in Fuquay-Varina began with the goal of fostering community engagement. Serving coffee was incidental. After years of roasting at home as a hobby, owners Ben and Alexandra Somerville recognized an untapped market for jitter juice in the area and decided to try their hand at entrepreneurship.
“We wanted to get into the hospitality business more than anything, so I think that foundation sets us apart from chains and wholesale brands,” Ben said. “From how we treat customers and coworkers to how we make everything on the menu, it’s about the people first.”
Perhaps nothing exemplifies their philosophy more than the Cultivate Cooperative, a delivery-based food pantry designed to help neighbors in need, many of whom live in NC-13.
“We opened it up for customers to contribute if they want, and the response has been incredible,” Ben said. “But the food pantry is something we’ll do regardless of donations. Whether someone needs a little help for just a short time or more regularly, we never want anyone to feel embarrassed about getting the support they need.”
The impact of Cultivate’s sincerity reaches beyond customers and food pantry patrons.
“I love working here,” General Manager Grace Wolfe said. “I think everyone would agree it feels fulfilling. Coffee is a part of people’s daily lives. It’s how they start their day, and being able to have a positive impact feels great. Seeing regulars return again and again tells me we’re doing it right.”
Cultivate Coffee Roasters represents the strong connection a small business can have with the people it serves. If you’d like to learn more about the Fuquay-Varina favorite or its generous food pantry, visit www.cultivate.coffee.
The NC-13 Small Business Spotlight is designed to highlight wonderful small businesses and people serving our district. If you know of a great place to feature, please reach out to Congressman Knott’s communications team at quinn.slaven@mail.house.gov.