First time going there was because of a class meet up to talk about the history of coffee. Wish more professors did this.
By far, it out does Starbucks coffee wise, not so much of the food (because there really isn't any that I can recall).
This is a legit coffee shop as how it was intended to be for centuries and not like the mainstream Starbucks. Go in and enjoy your beverage as you relax.
Also to note, the coffee is really cheap, like college student approved cheap... but didn't taste cheap. The equipment is no Keurig or Mr. Coffee stuff either.
Few gripes I have is the atmosphere, it feels like an old building (and it probably is). Owner should really consider an interior repaint. I like the metal theme of the front counter. A nice Steel and black paint with dark blue/brown accents will bring the shop together. For a nice reference, think of the interior design of blaze pizza, give it that modern industrial look, but throw in some Philips Hue bulbs. Also extend the size of the front counter, the wide appearance makes it look more approachable. Good call for the cute barista.
To make it simpler, take a liberal coffee shop in Asheville, and throw it into Cullowhee.
Extending in atmosphere, I also suggest a more comfortable and controlled music. A Pandora or Spotify set to shuffle on the top 100 will be fine.
Wanna make it even more unique? Actual glassware for in shop orders. Yeah it's more tedious, but that attention to detail will make heads turn.
Overall, underrated but with so much potential, make the atmosphere more college appealing. This business needs to stand out if it wants to do well against two Starbucks on campus. As for the coffee, it's cheap, but doesn't taste cheap and actually tastes good. read more