Kaldi's Story
Hey there! I’m Marcia Cox, the heart and hands behind Kaldi's Coffeehouse & Roastery, right here in Charlotte, North Carolina. As the owner, creator, and head roaster, I take pride in lovingly hand-roasting small batches of coffee just for you—our wonderful Kaldi's Community!
Kaldi's was born in my dorm room during my senior year at North Carolina A&T State University. When I first stepped onto A&T's campus, I had dreams of becoming a lawyer. But as I immersed myself in the vibrant entrepreneurial culture around me—where friends were launching businesses from hair salons to cupcake shops—I began to wonder, "What if I created something of my own?"
That spark led me to combine my passions for history, community, and creativity into Kaldi's. As a history major, I was fascinated by the story of coffee, especially its African roots in Ethiopia. Yet, I noticed that Black people, and particularly Black women, were often missing from the coffee industry narrative. With less than 20% of coffee roasters being women, and even fewer being Black women, I felt a calling to change that.
Growing up in a family of proud HBCU graduates, I’ve spent countless hours sharing coffee, tea, and conversation around the kitchen table. It was in those moments, and during my time as a barista, that I honed my craft—experimenting with flavors and brewing up new ideas for my family to taste.
Fast forward to my senior year: with law school no longer in my plans, I drafted a business proposal and presented it to my dad, a former bank and Starbucks executive. He saw the potential in my vision and joined me on this journey. And the rest, as they say, is history!
In the next coming years, I’m excited to open a storefront where Kaldi's Coffeehouse will be a welcoming space for everyone to gather, connect, and share in the community that I’ve always cherished.
WHO WE ARE
Kaldi's is a Black-woman owned family business. Kaldi's core leadership is made up of family. From our family to yours, everything about Kaldi's goes back to community. I value the trust that you place in me with every purchase by ensuring I delivery a quality cup of delicious coffee with every order.
OUR VALUES
Hand-Roasted Small-Batch Coffee
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At Kaldi's Coffeehouse & Roastery, we believe that exceptional coffee starts with the freshest beans. That's why we hand-roast every order only when we receive it, ensuring that each bag of coffee delivers the fullest flavor and aroma. Our commitment to small-batch roasting guarantees that your coffee is always at its peak, providing a rich, vibrant experience in every cup. Enjoy the unparalleled freshness and quality that sets Kaldi's apart—because you deserve the best, one freshly roasted batch at a time.
Black-Woman Owned Family Business
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Kaldi's Coffeehouse & Roastery is more than just a coffee brand; we are a testament to diversity, resilience, and excellence. As a Black woman-owned business, we bring a unique and inclusive perspective to the world of specialty coffee. Our commitment to quality, community, and sustainability reflects our core values and our passion for crafting exceptional coffee. Join us in celebrating diversity and savor the rich flavors and vibrant culture that define Kaldi's Coffeehouse & Roastery.
Community Focused
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At Kaldi's Coffeehouse & Roastery, we are dedicated to creating a warm and inviting space where everyone feels welcome. Our commitment to community is at the heart of everything we do, from our locally sourced ingredients to our inclusive atmosphere. Whether catching up with friends, working on a project, or simply enjoying a moment of peace, Kaldi's is your home away from home. Come experience the difference and see why we are "Where the Community Comes for a Cup!"