Think about the squirrel. A hearty creature that’s member to the taxonomic household Sciuridae, they fluctuate and dimension and stature throughout practically 300 species and related genera. From the famed flying squirrel (Rocky was a member) to the whistling Pacific Northwest alpine marmot (genus marmota, and the biggest member of the squirrel household) to the tiniest pipsqueak chipmunk, the squirrel presents in many-splendored types. After which there may be the gray squirrel, a species of squirrel uniquely tailored to profitable habitation and progress. Such is the scene you’ll discover at Grey Squirrel Espresso in Carrboro, North Carolina, the place this squirrel—within the guise of a espresso store—is celebrating the current enlargement of operations right into a model new next-door house downtown. With rather more room to unfold out, Grey Squirrel will be capable of increase their choices to incorporate extra room for seating, roasting, and a lounge-like space through which to take pleasure in scrumptious espresso. Let’s study extra.
The 2026 Construct-outs of Espresso is offered by DONA, Pacific Barista Collection, and La Marzocco.
As advised to Sprudge by Sarah Persing.
For many who aren’t acquainted, will you inform us about your organization?
Grey Squirrel Espresso Co. is a small-batch specialty espresso roaster, espresso bar, and bakery in Carrboro, NC. We prefer to hold issues easy right here: roasting in small batches with care to deliver out the most effective within the espresso, crafting distinctive drinks and house-made baked items in our cafe, taking excellent care of our group, and specializing in creating nice relationships with our prospects and group companions.
Are you able to inform us a bit concerning the new house?
We’re increasing our cafe and roastery into the spot subsequent door to our present store in downtown Carrboro, NC, including 1,600 sq. ft, with roughly 30 extra seats for purchasers, a bigger roasting space, and a secondary bar. The thought was merely to increase on what we’ve develop into and share what we do behind the scenes in a relaxed, approachable setting. To that finish, the brand new house options an open view to the roasting flooring (with two bigger roasters to up our capability), plus further lounge-like buyer seating, and a gradual bar space the place we’re excited to focus on distinctive brewing strategies and host cuppings and dialog in an intimate surroundings. We’ve additionally prolonged our hours with the hopes of turning into a go-to lounge for people to take pleasure in earlier than dinner or a present at one other native spot.
What’s your method to espresso?
We try to introduce of us to probably the most attention-grabbing and scrumptious coffees on the planet, sharing our experience in an approachable approach that will get our prospects feeling as keen about espresso as we’re. Working with our provide chain companions, we’re in a position to supply the very best high quality inexperienced espresso beans whereas additionally empowering farmers with honest pricing and long-term enterprise relationships. We’re meticulous about cupping and roasting in small batches in order that we’re in a position to give every inexperienced espresso a personalized roast profile that attracts out the most effective taste and aroma for the bean. We imagine that espresso outlets are important for offering a secure place for essential dialog, so we’re excited to have the ability to provide more room for our superior group to collect.
Any machines, coffees, particular gear lined up?
We’re including two refurbished Probat roasters (an L12 and an L5), together with a destoner and new packaging gear to assist streamline manufacturing. We’re additionally giving our packaging design a refresh with new espresso baggage and labels.
How is your undertaking contemplating sustainability?
Having more room will enable us to consolidate shipments for fewer deliveries and a greener footprint. We’ll proceed to compost our kitchen and bar scraps and donate our chaff to native farms.
What’s your hopeful goal opening date/month?
We anticipate to be open by June, 2026.
Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that you just’d like to say?
We took the lead on this undertaking ourselves, with the objective of designing an area that may be complementary to our present café whereas bringing extra of a loungy feeling. We’re grateful to all of the native craftspeople, specialists, and associates who helped make this enlargement occur.
Thanks!
Thanks!
The 2026 Construct-outs of Espresso is offered by DONA, Pacific Barista Collection, and La Marzocco.
