This is a little belated as a post, but we saw today that Durham has been entered into congressional record by Representative Butterfield as the tastiest town in the South. Cocoa Cinnamon is mentioned along with many of our colleagues and friends.
Strangely cool.
We are incredibly grateful to our crew and to all the folks who are making our first couple months extraordinary!
With your help we now have a community coffee program. At the register is a gift card with nearly $400 on it. If anyone needs help paying for a drink, s/he can ask for a community coffee, we’ll ask what s/he’d like and it will come off the gift card. If you’d like to add to the gift card you can ask to put some money into the community coffee program.
Last week we got the first part of our outdoor seating and awning out and soon we’ll have the front too!
We’ve added many signature drinks and still have more to come.
We’ve added the Chez Moi Bakery’s rum cakes and we’ve had to double our order, because you love them!
We’re loving the process and enjoy having you in on it!
Forward!
Leon and Areli
p.s. check out Monuts and The Parlour…if you haven’t already!
UPDATE: Yes, everyone is welcome!! Come on by! 7am to 10pm mon – thurs, 7am to 12am fri and 9am to 12am sat
Most of you know, we are having a different kind of opening. Many are asking if tomorrow, Monday, is our first official day.
Here’s how we think of it: Last week started Cocoa Cinnamon as friends, family and supporters and grew as other people got to know. We let people know that we are rolling out the menu and pretty much everyone has been psyched. Tomorrow, we do start our initial regular hours. We are very much in the beginning, though, of rolling the menu out.
- We started with classic espresso drinks and single origin hand poured coffees.
- Then we added a (faster) brewed coffee option until 11AM during the week. We designed it so that it came to an easy amount, including tax, with the airpot and cups out for self service so that if someone is really in a hurry they can put the money on the bar and walk out the door.
- Then we added a Parisian style hot chocolate, made with real melted single origin chocolate (last week was a Venezuelan chocolate – this coming week, we’ll have a choice of that and an Ecuadorian chocolate for you to choose).
- And on Friday, we added a line of hand poured single origin loose leaf (amazing) teas!
Over the next couple weeks, we will continue to roll out the full menu:
- signature espresso drinks
- signature coffee drinks (like you know from bikeCOFFEE)
- the full drinking chocolate menu (including Parisian style, Mayan water based chocolates, sipping chocolates and more)
- pots for sharing tea
- a complete and varied line of desserts and pastries from local vendors
- select wines
- select beers
So what does that mean? When do we officially open? Well, before we opened we wanted it to feel like when we opened we were never not open. And in many ways, it has felt that way.
From another view, what we are doing is more like including you in our writing process; so many of you have participated in us getting funding and building out the shop. Now we think of it as you participating with us in building out the menu. So if we are now rolling out rough draft chapters, soon we’ll be reading, sharing, honing, tightening, adding, repeat, until our menu and production are smooth, delicious and full of new ideas, tastes and names.
Why are we doing it this way? There are some practical reasons, some aesthetic, some because that’s just the way we are.
This week we’ll be adding a few light fixture covers to the front of the building made from old tobacco warehouse fly catchers, working on posts for outdoor seating cover, resealing the front room floor, and doing behind the scenes paper work.
Thank you all so much for an amazing first week! We are incredibly grateful to you and to our staff who is performing better than we could have possibly expected.
So, when is the official opening date? Answer: We’re doing it together, so you know as much as we do.
And like a book, film or even a soft open/grand open business, one day, maybe a few months down the road we will have a Grand Opening…and you’ll be sure to know!
With love and gratefulness,
Leon and Areli
a super supportive and friendly woman dropped a hundred on the counter, said do what you want with it, smiled and walked out the door
great company
pic by Carrie Nyden
great light
after hours networking with Andrius Benokraitus and bench installation with Jeremy Parker
Getting down the The Real Laww
Bench Success Happiness
afternoon coffee talk
design beginnings
pics by Christina Gates
Thank you all so much for all of the words, visits, hanging out
and bringing life to the shop!
Anyone who hasn’t come yet – come and get your rewards!!
Here’s the schedule for the rest of our friends and family week –
(everyone who knows is welcome from here on in):
- Wednesday (tomorrow) and Thursday 7 to 4
- 7am to 4pm and 7pm to 10pm Friday
- 9 to 8 Saturday.
ANNNDDD don’t forget Strange Beauty Film Festival is this week at Manbites Dog Theater! Visit us before or after on Saturday and your ticket will give you 10% off!
Next week our regular start-up schedule begins!
- Mon – Thurs 7am to 10PM
- Friday 7am to Midnight
- Saturday 9am to Midnight!
Remember, we hope to add to these hours as we get our whole team and menu in tight running order!!
Here are some pics:
The vibe this afternoon was our dream come true!
In the hours we’re not open this week, we’re finishing some mounting, installing and networking. Thanks Andrius and Jeremy!!
Smiles!
This Monday YOU are invited to take part in a Cocoa Cinnamon beta session. We’ll have a small selection of classic espresso and espresso based drinks.
Because you are on our email list or website, we are inviting you exclusively from 10 AM to 11 AM and we’ll open it up a bit wider until 4pm!
You will be more than welcome to sit and lounge but please keep in mind that we are still adding finishing touches and that not all of our furniture is in (the tables for outside are inside until couches come in and outdoor patio cover is finished). Also, this is a preview – rough cut, menu module beta, not a soft opening. Over the next several days/weeks, we’ll be testing parts of or menu and want you to be a part of it. You know what we mean, right?
Come along for the ride, Durham style!
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A PERFECT TIME TO GET YOUR KICKSTARTER REWARD! If you have not picked it up please tell us so! WE WANT TO GIVE THEM TO YOU! 
Also, we won’t be able to accept free drinks cards until after we have our full public opening, which may be in a week or two. For now, it’s friends and family.
Thank you all for your kind support and help getting us to this point!! We’re still working but are excited to finally be able to serve you a hand brewed cup of coffee, espresso, cappuccino or latte at the bar!
Photo by Victoria Bouloubasis. http://thisfeedsme.com
We have sourced amazing espressos and coffees from a few of our favorite roasters and are super excited to share them with you! Until we get fully setup, it will be in part paper cup only…so bring your own cup or use your kickstarter mug if you get one when you pick it up!
We really hope to see you!
With love and excitement,
Leon and Areli
p.s. If the line backs up, please swing it around towards the garage door (which will happen naturally after the front room opens.
Hey Y’all.
Since it’s Thanksgiving time and holiday season, we wanted to give you a chance to get some organic herbs and spices super cheap. We are liquidating some of the items that we have left from markets, things we will not be carrying in the shop.
We wanted to let you know exactly what we have so if you need some for Thanksgiving or for the holidays you can get it. EVERYTHING WE HAVE LISTED IS PAY WHAT YOU WISH. Don’t be afraid, we want it off our hands and in a good place.
Please note, we won’t have any chocolate offerings this Thanksgiving as we are focusing on getting the shop open.
Here’s what we have in limited quantities, to be sold on a first message first serve basis. All items to be picked up (only) at Cocoa Cinnamon 420 W. Geer Street this Wednesday between 4 and 6PM. If you have a Kickstarter reward out, you can pick that up too!!
Here’s the list of what we have; if you would like anything, email us or send us a direct message through any of our social media outlets! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
The List (everything is organic) – minimum order 50 grams:
Mediterranean Seasoning (oregano, thyme, garlic, rosemary, fennel)
Orris Root
Catnip
Yohimbe Bark
White Peony Root
Saw Palmetto Berries
Thyme
Horsetail
Caribbean Blend Seasoning
Astragalus
Dandelion Leaf
Bitter Orange Peel
Valerian Root
Fenugreek
Stevia Leaf
Pau D’Arco
Parsley Flakes
Lemon Balm
Calendula Flowers
Citric Acid
Essiac Tea
Cumin Seed
Burdock Root
Sage Leaf
Kukicha Twig Tea
Dong Quai Root
Caraway Seed
Oatstraw
Brown Mustard Seed
Black Cohosh Powder
Italian Seasoning
Herbs de Provence
Sassafras Root Powder
Marjoram
Basil Leaf
Dill Weed
Nettle
Horsetail
Bay Leaves
Lemongrass
Black Walnut Hull Powder
Okay folks, here’s the scoop. Through varied sources, we’ve raised enough money to match our Durham Retail Services grant! So anyone who buys some advance shop credit (or has contributed via kickstarter, art, volunteering, etc…) will receive a special invite to participate in our pre-opening beta mode (think of it like being invited to a rough cut screening for a film).
Any more shop credit pre-sales will go towards working capital and unexpected items before we open.
We will have a period of time, call it beta/avant opening/play-time…whatever you want, in which we will have some time to test and train.
It will be highly discounted…so if you’d like an invite and haven’t done any of the above, this is a way to get in on the action first! Let’s have fun with it!!
Want some? Get it here: http://indiegogo.com/cacaocanela
Note: We may not turn others away, but you will get an invite for the time and date and if you bring it you’ll get a big discount.
Also, we just passed our first of two electrical inspections. We upgraded the service to the building, and have done 80 percent of the work to rewire pretty much the whole building (most of the work was original and completely outdated).
Hi Everyone,
It’s been a while since our last web update. We’ve been actively posting pics to Facebook of our startup process. Here’s a link to the pics that anyone can see. Also if you want to be our friend on Facebook or follow us on twitter, you can find links to those on the right side of our website.
We’ve been hard at work building the shop. We are super excited about making it a one of a kind place and with all of your help — financial, artistic, volunteer, moral… — that’s what we are doing. It’s coming out amazingly, even if it takes a bit longer than we’d like. It is pretty DIY or DIO (ourselves)…translate this as professional, unique and magical. That is what’s happening here…many of you who have been checking in have told us that you feel it too.
We have written important Kickstarter updates, so if you are a contributor be sure to read them. We have made and released the rewards up to $25 and notified you. We have some other rewards that we can release as soon as the t-shirts and mugs are done (all getting hand made) and some will be available after the shop opens. Don’t think we forgot about you and please make sure you read your updates, as that is where we’ll keep you informed about specific info pertaining to Kickstarter.
We have launched a shop credit pre-sale for which their are only 7 days left. It’s to help match our Durham City Grant to upfit the space. If you’d like to take part please visit this link. You even get a little more credit than you pay for now, for making the advance! Be sure to check it out. Plus there is a low-res video of me giving you a tour of the progress in the shop.
I’m heading over to finish welding some shelving in the bar now.
Thank you all so much for taking part!
Leon and Areli
Hi all!
Tomorrow, Friday, June 1st, is National Donut Day. It is never a coincidence that you see Monuts and bikeCOFFEE parked next to each other! We just really love each other and love the concept of Dip & Sip and the collaboration between small businesses! However, tomorrow REALLY gives us a reason to park next to them!
To celebrate National Donut Day, Monuts and bikeCOFFEE will be set up at the Venable Center on Friday June 1st from 9-11am selling fresh donuts and coffee to tenants and passersby! We are both in the process of moving into brick and mortar storefronts in downtown Durham, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to taste our products.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
The donut menu for the morning will include:
1. Ginger Cake Donut topped with a Green Tea Icing and White Chocolate Drizzle
THIS DONUT WOULD BE BEST ENJOYED WITH AN ICED HIBISCUS TEA OR A RUMI: a Moka Java coffee with cardamom and rose water.
2. Peanut Butter Cake Donut topped with a Milk Chocolate Glaze
THIS DONUT WOULD BE BEST ENJOYED WITH A COSTA RICA CUP OF EXCELLENCE OR A STRAIGHT OF HORMUZ: a Moka Java coffee with malabar black pepper.
3. Toasted Amaretto: Fluffy Yeast donut with Amaretto glaze and Toasted Almonds
THIS DONUT WOULD BE BEST ENJOYED WITH A COLOMBIA CUP OF EXCELLENCE OR A HUE: an Asian coffee with sweetened condensed milk.
4. Vanilla Frosted with Sprinkles: It’s like funfetti in a donut (because we have lots to celebrate!).
THIS DONUT WOULD BE BEST ENJOYED WITH A BRASIL SANTA AMALIA OR A MOCTEZUMA: an American coffee with dulce de leche and cayenne pepper.
Come by and give Monuts a big hug!
Here are more details:
Come Celebrate National Donut Day With Us!
ALSO, this Friday and every Friday (unless noted) we will have the doors open at 420 W. Geer St. from 5-7 pm for anyone curious on the progress and is jonesin’ for some delicious coffee. We also welcome and encourage feedback!
This Saturday we will be at the Farmers Market from 8-1 pm next to our celebrated friends, Monuts. If you have never made it to the Farmers Market we recommend you sacrifice one early morning to experience it. We also recommend you walk or bike there and if you visit us, bring your own cup! You get a discount and a big smile for bringing your own cup!
Sunday is the 1st Dtown Market of the month so come join us at Motorco with Kokyu, Parlour, and all the amazing and talented artists and vendors that will set up there. It really is a great way to spend your Sunday afternoon!
Every 1st and 3rd Sunday from 12-5 at Motorco!
Come on out and explore your city!
We’re in!! Now seeking a licensed plumber and electrician to work with us on getting this done. We’ll do labor to keep costs down! Any ideas, please contact us….we’re making this happen. Below you can find a constantly updated list of furniture, equipment and items/decorative gadgets, etc…that we’re looking for in case you have any leads!
Also, a good portion of our upfit budget is the city retail grant. We should find out the answer any day now. We really need it in order to complete the plumbing and electrical for a full bar and hope it comes through. In the case that it doesn’t we may have to upfit the plumbing and electrical like at a trade fair, which will keep us from having ceramic cups at first. Keep your fingers crossed with us. Thank you. Leon and Areli
This weekend’s schedule is now up. All you have to do is hit the schedule section in Pages on your right! Any time…
Here’s a constantly updated list of things we need or are looking for. We’ll be adding specific furniture soon. If you have any leads, please contact us.
Some things will be defined by space and design, but feel free to send us any idea. We appreciate you looking out!
| Basic Updated Website |
| Machines & Equipment |
| Espresso Machine – Have |
| Espresso Grinder – seeking Mazzer, Robur Electronic (ideally competition) |
| Bulk Grinder – Have |
| Single Door NSF Refrigerator – Have |
| Single Door NSF Freezer – Have |
| Ice Machine – Have |
| Three Basin Sink NSF – seeking 2 drain boards, 16 x 20 basins |
| Refrigerated Glass Case – Have |
| Kegerator/Refrigerator – Have |
| Wine Cooler – seeking 2 zone for 21 bottles |
| Dishwasher NSF – Have |
| Liquid Gas Tankless Hot Water Heater – seeking 9gpm |
| Barista Hot Water Heater Zojirushi – Need Second |
| Barista Fast Hot Water Heater Bodum – Need |
| Brew Bar Designed/Welded – Emmon |
| Coffee Brewer – Have |
| Blender NSF – Have |
| Barista Fridge – 48” uncercounter nsf on casters |
| Water Filtration Setup |
| Syrup Racks – Have |
| Cup Dispensers – Have 4, Need 2 |
| Liquid Warmer NSF – Have |
| Bodum French Presses – ? |
| Tea Pots – Need #More |
| Steam Wand Cleaner |
| Stir Spoons – Have X, Need # |
| Pitchers – Have |
| Pallo Tool – Have |
| Pitcher Rinser |
| Tamper – Have |
| Portafilters/screens – need Upgrades |
| Barista Rags |
| Barista Aprons/Station Shirts |
| Syrup Pumps – Have |
| Whip Cream Whippers – Have |
| Iced Coffee Brewers |
| Shot Glasses/Beakers |
| Machine Cleaners |
| Clever Brewers – Have |
| Drip Trays |
| Tea Dispensers |
| Milk Pitchers |
| Sugar Shakers – Have |
| Squeeze Bottles |
| Stress Matts |
| Ceramic Cups |
| Trays |
| Barista Spoons |
| Sipping Chocolate Trays |
| Ice Water Dispenser |
| Infared Thermometer – Have |
| Dipping Forks |
| Metal Chocolate Scraper |
| Ganache Molds |
| Chocolate Molds |
| Chocolate Tempering Machine – seeking Chocovision 10 LB |
| Cacao Bean Grinder – Have |
| Chocolate Packaging |
| Sound System – hmmm. Cobbled, but could use better |
| Dymo Labelwriter & Labels – Have |
| Menu – Need Printing |
| Bar Construction |
| Shelving |
| Drop Ceiling |
| Furniture |
| Tables |
| Chairs |
| Lamps
4 – 5 ft comfy/soft vintage couches – need 2 to 3 |
| Electric Installation |
| Plumbing |
| Lighting |
| HVAC |
| Dry Goods |
| Toilet Paper |
| Paper Towels |
| Napkins |
| Receipt Paper |
| Coffee Bags |
| Stir Sticks |
| Paper Cups and Lids |
| Sleeves |
