After Triangle coffee shop closes, another takes its place. What to know
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Durham’s Bean Traders opened a RTP coffee shop in former Fare&Fellow space.
- RTP shop offers same menu, including espresso drinks and homemade baked goods.
- New location will be open limited hours during soft opening period.
A new coffee shop has opened in the Triangle, replacing one that closed earlier this year.
Bean Traders Coffee, which has been serving Triangle customers for more than 25 years, now has a second shop at Research Triangle Park.
The shop has moved into the former Fare&Fellow at Park Point. Fare&Fellow shut down its RTP location in February after deciding not to renew its lease, leaving one location in downtown Durham.
Bean Traders wasn’t actively searching for a new home, Christy Chapman, who owns the business with her husband, David Chapman, told The News & Observer by phone. Rather, they were presented with an opportunity to expand, and after meeting with the property manager, decided the 2,500-square-foot space at Park Point would be a good fit.
“We’re just still really passionate about what we do, and to think about going to a space where new people can kind of feel that passion and see what we do? Call us crazy,” Christy Chapman said.
After thoroughly cleaning the space and bringing in equipment such as an espresso machine and grinder, Bean Traders soft opened at RTP Friday, March 13, the business shared on social media.
The minimalistic space is “gorgeous,” Christy Chapman said, and doesn’t need renovation. However, Bean Traders may make cosmetic changes including new paint, artwork and decor, to help reflect the company’s brand and character.
“It’s going to feel comforting and loving and happy and all the things because our customers are really what make our place feel like that,” she said.
Bean Traders menu
The same menu that Bean Traders offers at its South Durham location is available at the new RTP shop.
Bean Traders offers a variety of coffee shop classics, including espresso-based lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, mochas and cortados.
Other caffeinated beverages include drip and cold brew coffee, matcha, loose-leaf teas and chai.
Smoothies, milkshakes and hot chocolate are also available. Bean Traders makes all of its syrups and sauces in house, Christy Chapman said.
Bean Traders sells lighter food choices including oatmeal and homemade granola, plus more substantial offerings such as waffles, frittatas and bagels.
Baked goods including scones, muffins and pies are in bakery cases. Bean Traders makes most treats in house, but brings in desserts such as muffins and cinnamon buns from Ninth Street Bakery.
According to the online ordering menu, a 12-ounce drip coffee costs $2.50, and a 12-ounce latte is $4.65. Smoothies and matcha start at $6, loose-leaf teas at $4 and milkshakes at $6.50.
Oatmeal bowls are $8, and waffles start at $7. Muffins and scones cost $3-$4, and pie slices are $6. Bagels start at $2.50.
New Bean Traders location
Its hours at 4001 N.C. Highway 54, Suite 2150 are 7 a.m. until noon through Friday, March 20. Moving forward, its hours will be 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. The Chapmans do plan to extend hours in the future.
“Until we can train everyone, until everyone is staffed at both places, until we get a good flow, it is going to be limited hours, because we want it to be a good experience,” Christy Chapman said.
At its Homestead Market location, 105 W. NC Highway 54, Suite 249, Bean Traders is open 6 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. That location, which was recently renovated, has been open since 2000.
Bean Traders previously had locations in Durham on Ninth Street and at Meadowmont in Chapel Hill, Christy Chapman said. When the Chapmans started having children, they sold the locations, which then turned into new coffee shop concepts.
