Memphis, Tennessee, December 24, 2025
Memphis is experiencing a resurgence of community-focused coffee spaces, with several establishments opening after significant investment. Cxffeeblack’s flagship café reflects a commitment to hospitality and cultural connection, while Muggin’ Coffeehouse and Café Noir, the city’s first Black-owned bookstore coffee shop, are becoming popular gathering spots. Initiatives like the Kresge Foundation’s grant program underscore a broader trend of community investment aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods and strengthening civic engagement.
Memphis, Tennessee
Community-Focused Coffee Spaces on the Rise
Memphis has recently seen a surge in community-focused coffee spaces, with several establishments opening their doors following significant investments.
Cxffeeblack’s Flagship Café
Cxffeeblack, a nationally recognized Memphis coffee brand, has opened its new flagship café at 3386 Bowen Ave. in Mitchell Heights. This expanded space offers more room for gathering, working, and hosting events, continuing the brand’s focus on hospitality, education, and cultural connection. The opening was celebrated with a multi-day grand opening that included a ribbon-cutting, East African coffee ceremony, live music, pop-ups, and a community brunch. Built with support from over 500 community investors, the space reflects a belief that coffee can serve as both ceremony and community anchor. During the opening weekend, Cxffeeblack announced a new collaboration with Memphis hip-hop icon 8Ball: 8 Ball Brand Coffee, a premium, limited-edition coffee roasted by Cxffeeblack.
Muggin’ Coffeehouse in Whitehaven
In Whitehaven, Muggin’ Coffeehouse has become the neighborhood’s first locally owned coffee shop. Opened on July 6, 2020, Muggin’ was approved for a $15,000 Inner City Economic Development (ICED) Loan to help complete renovations. The coffeehouse offers a distinctively Memphis vibe and has become a popular gathering spot for residents.
Café Noir in the Edge District
In the Edge District, Café Noir has been approved for a $15,000 Retail Tenant Improvement (TI) Grant to establish a brick-and-mortar storefront. The café aims to be Memphis’ only Black-owned bookstore and coffee shop, dedicated to uplifting the community through literature, conversation, and shared experiences. The space will feature books by BIPOC and LGBTQI+ authors and collaborate with local minority-owned food and drink vendors like Cxffeeblack and LOAF.
Alcy Ball Development Corporation’s Community Space
The Alcy Ball Development Corporation is transforming the former Roger’s Store into a community meeting space. Approved for a $25,000 ICED Loan, the project includes renovations, reconfiguration of the parking lot, landscaping, and interior improvements. The goal is to create a space for residents to gather and connect, contributing to the revitalization of the Alcy Ball neighborhood.
Community Investment and Support
These developments are part of a broader trend of community investment in Memphis. The Kresge Foundation launched the Kresge Innovative Projects: Memphis (KIP:M) initiative, providing up to $1.5 million in grant funding to support community-driven projects aimed at strengthening neighborhoods. This initiative reflects a commitment to resident-led innovation and civic renewal in Memphis.
Conclusion
The opening of these community-focused coffee spaces in Memphis highlights a growing trend of local investment and revitalization. These establishments not only provide quality coffee but also serve as hubs for community engagement and cultural connection, contributing to the city’s vibrant and diverse landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Cxffeeblack’s new flagship café?
Cxffeeblack has opened its new flagship café at 3386 Bowen Ave. in Mitchell Heights. This expanded space offers more room for gathering, working, and hosting events, continuing the brand’s focus on hospitality, education, and cultural connection. The opening was celebrated with a multi-day grand opening that included a ribbon-cutting, East African coffee ceremony, live music, pop-ups, and a community brunch. Built with support from over 500 community investors, the space reflects a belief that coffee can serve as both ceremony and community anchor. During the opening weekend, Cxffeeblack announced a new collaboration with Memphis hip-hop icon 8Ball: 8 Ball Brand Coffee, a premium, limited-edition coffee roasted by Cxffeeblack.
Where is Muggin’ Coffeehouse located?
Muggin’ Coffeehouse is located in Whitehaven, Memphis. Opened on July 6, 2020, it is the neighborhood’s first locally owned coffee shop. Muggin’ was approved for a $15,000 Inner City Economic Development (ICED) Loan to help complete renovations. The coffeehouse offers a distinctively Memphis vibe and has become a popular gathering spot for residents.
What is Café Noir’s mission?
Café Noir aims to be Memphis’ only Black-owned bookstore and coffee shop, dedicated to uplifting the community through literature, conversation, and shared experiences. The space will feature books by BIPOC and LGBTQI+ authors and collaborate with local minority-owned food and drink vendors like Cxffeeblack and LOAF.
What is the Alcy Ball Development Corporation’s project?
The Alcy Ball Development Corporation is transforming the former Roger’s Store into a community meeting space. Approved for a $25,000 ICED Loan, the project includes renovations, reconfiguration of the parking lot, landscaping, and interior improvements. The goal is to create a space for residents to gather and connect, contributing to the revitalization of the Alcy Ball neighborhood.
What is the Kresge Innovative Projects: Memphis (KIP:M) initiative?
The Kresge Foundation launched the Kresge Innovative Projects: Memphis (KIP:M) initiative, providing up to $1.5 million in grant funding to support community-driven projects aimed at strengthening neighborhoods. This initiative reflects a commitment to resident-led innovation and civic renewal in Memphis.
Key Features of Memphis’ Community Coffee Spaces
| Establishment | Location | Investment | Focus | Unique Aspect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cxffeeblack’s Flagship Café | Mitchell Heights, Memphis | Supported by over 500 community investors | Hospitality, education, cultural connection | Collaboration with 8Ball Brand Coffee |
| Muggin’ Coffeehouse | Whitehaven, Memphis | $15,000 ICED Loan | Community gathering | First locally owned coffee shop in Whitehaven |
| Café Noir | Edge District, Memphis | $15,000 Retail Tenant Improvement Grant | Literature, conversation, shared experiences | Black-owned bookstore and coffee shop |
| Alcy Ball Development Corporation’s Community Space | Alcy Ball neighborhood, Memphis | $25,000 ICED Loan | Community gathering | Transformation of former Roger’s Store |
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Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
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