New coffee shop opening soon near Raleigh’s Dix Park (& 2 other cafes joining downtown)
Downtown Raleigh is getting a little more caffeinated, with three new cafes setting up shop in a few high-traffic areas.
One spot, Oma’s Cafe + Wine, has already opened near the Raleigh Convention Center, while the two others are coming soon.
Here’s what we know about the new businesses.
Willow House Coffee opening early January 2025
Judy Werckle and Bryan Lee started serving Triangle customers from a mobile coffee trailer in 2023.
Now the couple, who are engaged, are putting the final touches on their first brick-and-mortar. Willow House Coffee is expected to open Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 1004 S. Saunders St., across from Dorothea Dix Park.
Lee and Werckle have been connected to the coffee industry for many years. Lee took a strong interest in educating himself about coffee and had a few different jobs in the industry. Werckle was drawn to the community and social aspects of coffee, and enjoyed spending time in coffee shops.
“When we met, we just had said that someday we would open a coffee shop,” Werckle told The News & Observer in a video interview.
A couple of years ago, both Lee and Werckle were going through career changes and decided the time was right to explore opening their own coffee business.
Lee found a company that made trailers, which Werckle was initially opposed to but quickly pivoted when she saw what the trailer could be — warm and inviting, with wood and faux brick.
The trailer’s mobility allowed them to make their own schedules and test the concept in different markets, mostly around the Triangle.
“We did have the opportunity to jump around to different neighborhoods and events and meet different types of people in those areas,” Lee said. “And then it allowed us to kind of find our home, where we really wanted to be. We really came to love this neighborhood.”
When they found the building on South Saunders Street, they knew they “couldn’t say no to it,” Werckle said.
A former dry cleaners, the approximately 1,765-square-foot building was a shell when Lee and Werckle signed the lease, so construction work has involved adding everything the business owners want and need to run a coffee shop.
There will be indoor seating for about 35 people, plus picnic tables outside. Inside, visitors will find a warm and cozy environment, with rugs, couches and wood accents.
The menu will feature coffee drinks made with beans from Black & White Coffee Roasters. Options include drip coffee, espresso drinks, signature lattes, cold brew, iced coffees and espresso sodas, which are made with espresso and Topo Chico, plus flavorings and cold foam.
Willow House Coffee also serves non-coffee beverages, such as an adaptogenic plant-based brew, kombucha, tea and juices.
Customers can snack on chicken salad from Weaver Street Market, baked goods from Nana’s Lil Sweets, Tepuy Donuts and The Blue Ox Bakery, and gluten-free options from Rising Thistle.
“We really want a space where all life and kind can come together and feel welcome and feel safe and connect,” Werckle said.
Willow House Coffee will offer Wi-Fi for guests, and they already have a couple of community events scheduled. There will be a sound bath meditation on Thursday, Jan. 16 and a performance by a singer/songwriter on Friday, Jan. 31.
The shop will start out with opening hours of 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday, and will gradually extend from there.
Oma’s Cafe + Wine caters to morning and night crowds
Located on the ground floor of the Residence Inn in downtown Raleigh, Oma’s Cafe + Wine serves early risers and night owls alike.
In the morning, visitors can order coffeehouse staples including drip coffee, espresso drinks, cold brews and teas, with baked goods like muffins and pastries.
Nighttime patrons can sit inside or out while sipping on wines by the glass or bottle, and beer.
Grab-and-go snacks are available, too.
Other establishments at the Oma’s site include the rooftop lounge and bar 10th & Terrace and Overlook Restaurant.
Oma’s Cafe + Wine: 616 S. Salisbury St., 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Sunday
Deli coming to historic Oakwood neighborhood
A new restaurant, Oakwood Deli, is “coming soon” to a historical neighborhood in downtown Raleigh.
There’s not much information available on the restaurant’s website, and the phone number listed was not accepting voicemails when The News & Observer called.
On its website, Oakwood Deli describes itself as “a place where the community thrives over delicious meals and warm conversations.” There are no specifics about the menu, though it says the deli will serve “hearty food, artisanal sandwiches and freshly brewed coffee.”
The deli will be open 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, its website says.
Oakwood Deli is located at 331 New Bern Ave.
