Many coffee shops today have become more than just a place to grab a quick drink; they’re spaces where people gather to work, study, chat, and just connect. But The Culture Cup offers something different. From the moment you walk in until the moment you leave, you can just tell this place has a story to tell. It’s more than just coffee: it is a space dedicated to honoring and celebrating African American history, culture, and community. Nikki Brown, the owner, started The Culture Cup with a bigger purpose in mind: To share and celebrate African American heritage. “I was inspired to start The Culture Cup because it is something that has always been a part of me since I was a little girl,” Brown explains. “I’ve always been intrigued and inspired by the resilience and artistry of African American heritage and culture.” 

One way history is woven into the cafe’s experience is through the drinks themselves. “All of our specialty drinks are named after a Black pioneer. One of our drinks, for example, is the Angelou; it’s named after Maya Angelou. It’s a vanilla lavender latte because she has mentioned that she had a lavender garden and loved the color purple,” Nikki explains. 

One of the first things customers notice when they walk into The Culture Cup is a wall decal that really shows the purpose of the cafe. It reads, “We are dedicated to growing a more connected community that is uplifted and inspired through a cultural exchange.” 

This is exactly what the cafe is about. Brown describes it as more than just a business, but more as a place of refuge. “I see this place as a refuge, as a place of rest for many people who feel that they cannot just be themselves in the world,” she says. 

The cafe’s design also reflects its mission. One wall is covered in wallpaper, featuring different Black figures, creating an atmosphere that celebrates African American history in an artistic way. 

Every little detail in The Culture Cup has meaning. Even the WiFi password is a tribute to Toni Morrison, a famous African American novelist and editor. “There are three people who have really inspired me: Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, and Toni Morrison,” Brown shares. “That’s why our WiFi password is Toni Morrison. Those folks, just their words, their insight, their wisdom, have really helped me grow as a person.” 

Another cozy corner of the cafe features a fireplace with a sign that says “Coffee Time.” It’s a warm and inviting spot where customers can sit back, relax, and take in the space. 

The Culture Cup isn’t just about drinking coffee, it’s about learning. A bookshelf and a mini library inside the cafe allows customers to take a book, read it, and return it when they’re done. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to share knowledge and encourage people to read about and explore Black literature and history. 

Beyond books, the cafe also tells the story of the local African American community. “This shop is specifically dedicated to the historical African American community here in Gainesville; the settlement community,” Brown says. “We have a wall that displays historic photographs dating back to 1877, showing that this was not just an African American community, but a rich and thriving community.” 

Of course, none of this would be possible without the people behind The Culture Cup. Brown and her husband run the cafe together, pouring not just coffee but also passion and dedication into the space. But getting to where they are now wasn’t easy. 

“There were many hurdles, but the two biggest ones were financial challenges and overcoming my fear of failure,” Brown shared. Before opening up the cafe, she started by selling coffee at farmers markets for two years and even crowdfund. “I really pulled on my resources from community partners, relationships that I built when I was with the county, family members, and friends.” 

Even after opening, there were doubts. “There are days when I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh, did I make a mistake?’ But it’s so fulfilling,” she says. “There’s nothing like seeing your dream actualized and seeing the people that you touched.” 

One of the best parts of The Culture Cup is how it brings people together. Whether you’re sitting in front of the wall decal, chatting with a friend, or just enjoying the space, you can feel the sense of community in the air. 

“I notice a lot of genuine, deep connections that are formed here between strangers every day,” Brown states. “People just fellowship [and] connect with their differences and their similarities. It’s beautiful because the community has really taken ownership over The Culture Cup.” 

All in all, The Culture Cup is more than just a place to grab a latte. It’s a space that celebrates history all while building a strong community and inspiring customers. “If we cannot do anything else, our mission is to uplift and inspire,” Brown says. “When people leave, I want them to leave feeling inspired to be a better person, a better friend, a better sister, wife, husband, community member – just inspired to do better.” 

With every cup of coffee served, every book read, and every conversation shared, The Culture Cup is fulfilling that mission one visitor at a time.