321 Coffee Announces Ribbon Cutting of New Shop on NC State University’s Centennial Campus
321 Coffee continues creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Raleigh, N.C. (September 5, 2024) — 321 Coffee, a Raleigh-based coffee shop and roaster that proudly employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its newest location on North Carolina State University’s Centennial Campus. The official ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening celebration will take place on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 8:30 AM.
This highly anticipated opening marks a significant milestone for 321 Coffee, as the concept for the company was born on NC State’s campus in 2017 when co-founders Lindsay Wrege and Michael Evans were freshmen in the Park Scholarship program. Since its inception, 321 Coffee has grown into a beloved local brand with a mission to change the statistic that 80% of adults with disabilities are unemployed. The new location on Centennial Campus will be the company’s fifth and largest in the Triangle area, joining its popular shops at the State Farmers Market and Bloc[83] in Downtown Raleigh, as well as its corporate cafes in Pendo and Relias headquarters.
“This opening feels like a homecoming for us,” shares Wrege, Co-Founder and CEO of 321 Coffee. “I’m incredibly proud that 321 Coffee’s mission now has a home within both the corporate and student communities at NC State. This proximity creates a unique opportunity to scale our impact."
Lindsay, Co-Founder of 321 Coffee, smiles alongside Laney and Jodi, two baristas on the 321 Coffee team, behind the bar inside 321 Coffee's newest shop on NC State's campus.
The NC State Centennial location, situated in the Venture Place courtyard at 930 Main Campus Drive, will offer a full coffee menu with rotating specials and light food options. Greater Good, 321 Coffee’s officially licensed co-branded coffee roast with the university, will be featured as the drip coffee on the menu. The shop features ample indoor and outdoor seating, including two reservable conference rooms, making it an ideal spot for professionals, faculty, students, and community members alike. The shop will operate on weekdays from 7 AM to 4 PM.
The new shop features ample indoor and outdoor seating, including two private conference rooms.
To mark the occasion, 321 Coffee will host a grand opening celebration and official ribbon cutting on September 12, where attendees will hear from co-founders Lindsay and Michael, as well as NC State Chancellor, Dr. Randy Woodson, about the relationship between 321 Coffee and the university.
“We are very proud that 321 Coffee is opening on NC State’s Centennial Campus,” shares Chancellor Woodson. “By joining Centennial, 321 is ‘coming home’ — and adding to an innovation ecosystem of 70 industry, government and nonprofit partners who work alongside our faculty and students. Lindsay and Michael’s commitment to giving back to their community continues to inspire future Wolfpack entrepreneurs.”
Sam is a long time barista at 321 Coffee, having joined the team before they had a permanent shop.
As a proud Wolfpack fan, Sam has been thrilled to start serving customers on NC State's campus.
The shop is already serving customers during a soft opening phase. The new location will continue 321 Coffee’s mission of providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with IDD, furthering the company’s impact on workforce inclusion in the Triangle.
For more information about the grand opening event or to learn more about 321 Coffee, visit www.321coffee.com.
The 321 Coffee and North Carolina State University partnership centers around shared values in equity, community, and serving the greater good.
321 Coffee is a coffee shop and roaster focusing on workforce inclusion of individuals with disabilities. Located in Raleigh, the company currently employs over 50 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). 321 baristas do it all: roasting the coffee, taking the orders, making the lattes. Together they are demonstrating the value of an inclusive business model. Launched in 2017, the company is on a mission to change the statistic that 80% of adults with disabilities are unemployed.
Interested in enjoying 321 Coffee at your home, place of business, or next event? Shop the online store at shop.321coffee.com, submit a wholesale inquiry to partner@321coffee.com, or submit an event request to catering@321coffee.com.
Media Contact
Lindsay Wrege
321 Coffee
partner@321coffee.com