New Coffee Shop in Union Market Challenges Franchises and Perceptions of Small-Business
It is heard in the familiar hip-hop beats joining the space between laughter and the whistle of an espresso machine. It is seen in the mellowed mingling of art lovers enjoying their endless access to books, photography, and likeminded thinkers. It is had boldly but simply over a warm cup of coffee and a brief but engaging conversation. The Village Café of Washington, DC has skillfully perfected their moment in the lives of their customers and created a sense of home in an ever-changing local landscape.
It is difficult to have a terse exchange of cash for caffeine at the Union Market shop. The unassuming storefront on 5th street holds a strong personality behind its large glass doors. Moments with the owners and staff members are warm and genuine. They manage to convert the daily coffee run from a chore to the highlight of an otherwise mechanic day in the city. The cafe houses a unique atmosphere and ensures a relaxed rapport, making their drinks the second sweetest treat.
The newly opened Union Market location is steadily making a name for itself in the food and artistic scenes in the District. Opened by DC natives and friends, Mahammad “Moe” Mangum, Ryan Williams, and Kevon King, the café acts as an oasis for art, food, and connectivity to DC culture.
The idea of a hometown restaurant conjures images of an antiquated mom-and-pop storefront. The Village Café challenges this picture of the past by incorporating the passion and youthfulness of DC with its trendy stainless-steel equipment, fashionable architecture, and close proximity to the art niches of the city. It is no shock to walk into the shop and hear your favorite song or discover an upcoming event where you can mix with creatives and local entrepreneurs.
The Village Café's key ingredient is their service. The communal atmosphere is enhanced by owners chatting with customers, making drinks, and managing the business of the shop all in one seemingly effortless act. Staff members are happy to engage with their superiors as they all join forces to fight the lunch rush. The café's operation exists as one inspiring motion where care is clear. Cashier and café barista, Mark, praises the work environment, saying he considers the owners as his friends in addition to his bosses.
What warms the café amidst the coldness of its coffee-selling counterparts is its engagement with the DC community. By day, the Village Café garnishes your coffee cup with foam, bags up your lunch, and engages in community outreach with youth in the area. By night, the location transforms into a space for artists like photographer, Nikki Rich to showcase her portraiture series highlighting Black femininity and beauty. Sponsored by the café in partnership with the local event series, BLCKNLIT, art and photography enthusiasts were given a night of art and expression where they could mingle and dance against the backdrop powerful local work.
By making itself a spot for food, fun, art, and engagement, The Village Café secures itself a pocket of home in the District. Its many moving parts allow the space to cater to the many interests and identities presented in the community surrounding it. It reimagines what natives can expect from their community and proves that small businesses are the strength of community identity.
The Village Café.1272 5th St., NE; Open Sunday and Monday, 8 AM to 6 PM; Tuesday through Saturday 8 AM to 10 PM.
