Let’s face reality, coffee connoisseurs: An amazing cup of your favorite beverage definitely doesn’t happen by accident. It takes generous doses of quality ingredients, a dash of science and a strong commitment to serving customers the very best possible product!
At Camel City Coffee in Winston-Salem, regular customers know they are getting the best cup of coffee in town, and they have enjoyed watching co-owners Lynn and Chelsea Tart grow their business to now encompass two convenient, and delightfully cozy, locations. By the time you’re reading this issue, you’ll be able to experience their hospitality and service at the original Oakwood Drive shop, and now at the equally bustling new location, on the back side of Liberty Plaza.
This mother daughter duo formally created the Camel City Coffee brand in 2015 after enjoying the success of their initial business venture, Tart Sweets; and while crediting their customers as the real reason they began serving coffee, the brand became its own entity in 2019.
“We started serving drip coffee and cold brew at our first location on Hawthorne Road because our customers requested it,” explains Chelsea. “When we moved to Fifth Street, we were no longer next to a coffee shop, so we expanded our coffee bar with espresso and specialty drinks.” That’s when the two found out they truly loved the “art form” of coffee and, especially, the sense of community that gathering together to consume it creates. Camel City Coffee at Oakwood was built on the design of great coffee and camaraderie – and those two simple aspects of creating a successful shop are now expanding downtown. The new location offers more room for seating for the downtown work crowd and gives nearby residents and visitors an “escape” to enjoy drinks and a social setting – as soon as it is safe health-wise, of course. The shop remains loyal to the health and safety of both its staff and its customers in terms of seating and service.
Downtown Winston-Salem has so much to offer, and Liberty Park is one of those simply fun stomping grounds that draws people of all ages. Chelsea explains the menu will be especially family friendly because the future Kaleideum location will be just across the sidewalk, and as a family owned business, Camel City Coffee is excited to offer customers these options.
There’s patio seating if the weather permits, Wi-Fi is available outside and fur babies are always welcome!
On the agenda to launch in 2021, there are also plans to broaden the company’s repertoire to cater coffee and breakfast or dessert items for corporate meetings and other local events in the Winston-Salem area.
Another hallmark of the Camel City Coffee success story is their very personable team, always ready and willing to serve you the comfort (and caffeine) you need, while creating new friendships along the way. As proud as they are of their shops and employees, Chelsea and Lynn are equally proud to have their espresso roasted by Case Coffee – something that sets them apart from other coffee shops in North Carolina. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Case Coffee works with small, family farms to source organic beans. The shop’s drip coffees are roasted in Greensboro by a wholesale roaster, also organically produced, and the wonderful teas you’ll sample here are sourced from Angelina’s, right here in Winston-Salem.
As much as creating the perfect cup of coffee is an art, there is also serious science involved – you may hear Lynn and Chelsea discuss “dialing in grinders” and weighing shots every morning to achieve – and maintain – consistency and quality. You can surely taste their experience in every sip, and appreciate years of dedication to a business they believe in.
With the holiday season now in full swing, customers can enjoy a menu of specialty drinks that are perfect for meeting with friends, as well as wonderful gift options for coffee enthusiasts on their gift list. The shop sells bags of beans (ranging from $14 to $17 per bag), along with fun, locally made t-shirts and mugs. You’ll also find additional gift items such as Nomad Candles based in Charlotte, and Tony’s Chocolonely, a slave-free, fair trade Dutch confection company. The best thing about Camel City Coffee in Winston-Salem is, of course, the amazing assortment of the finest handcrafted coffees and teas in town, but embracing the idea of shopping local and supporting a popular small business is the perfect crowning touch. Opening another new location in such a challenging time might seem daunting, but the chance presented itself in such positive fashion that both Chelsea and Lynn knew it felt like the right move.
Another favorite feature – and wildly popular among regular customers — is the @joecoffeeapp, which functions as the shop’s “punch card” system, allowing customers to earn “beans” that can be redeemed for free coffee. If you’re traveling, take advantage of shopping at any store that utilizes the app and earn beans towards your next cup of Camel City Coffee when you get back home! The shop also has links to order on its Instagram and Facebook pages, and you can download straight from the App Store, or even text the word “coffee” to 474747 for a link to download.
Coffee lovers, come savor the holiday specials, enjoy getting familiar with the new space and feel the love of small business owners spill over into every customer they serve! Make time in your schedule today to visit Camel City Coffee at 110 Oakwood Drive, Suite F, Winston-Salem, NC, 336.955.2246, and at their new downtown location at 102 W. 3rd Street (located on the back side of Liberty Plaza – enter through the Liberty Street breezeway). Hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Follow them on Instagram @camelcitycoffee @ joecoffeeapp.
