When you sip a cup of coffee from a local café from a local café, you’re not just fueling your day—you’re supporting a small business that fuels your neighborhood.

In this week’s edition of the Local Business Spotlight by CompaniesByZipCode.com, we turn our taste buds and focus to Rising Grounds Coffee Co., a cozy haven in the heart of Durham, North Carolina, that’s redefining the café experience with every pour. With its commitment to ethically sourced beans, community-focused programming, and a menu that’s both innovative and heartwarming, Rising Grounds has brewed more than a great cup; they’ve brewed a cultural movement.

Page Hook: More Than Just Coffee—You’ll Want to Stay for the Vibes

Imagine a place where the scent of fresh-roasted espresso meets the sound of an open-mic poetry night. Or where your fluffy oat milk cappuccino comes with a story from a local artist whose work adorns the walls. That’s the soul of Rising Grounds Coffee Co.—a neighborhood café that’s become the unofficial living room of Durham. Its rising popularity across social platforms and recent features in Triangle Business Journal and WRAL News make it one of the most celebrated businesses in North Carolina this year. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or a community advocate, you’ll want to dive in and discover what makes this hotspot not only a great café but a local institution.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• A Deep Brew: Business Overview
• A Cup Full of Community: Impact Beyond the Café
• The Customer Buzz: Experiences That Keep Them Coming Back
• Through the Lens: Visual Glimpses of Rising Grounds
• Call to Action: How You Can Support and Engage
• Discover More Local Gems

1. Introduction

Nestled off Chapel Hill Street in downtown Durham, Rising Grounds Coffee Co. isn’t your average café. Founded in 2019 by husband-and-wife duo Amir and Jasmine Bennett, this Black- and woman-owned business quickly became a safe space for conversation, collaboration, and community gathering. Its menu reads like a flavor-forward journey across cultures—think Caribbean-spiced lattes, turmeric-infused health shots, and avocado toast topped with pickled vegetables and dukkah. But the secret ingredient? A mission to serve not just coffee but connection.

This unique blend of purpose and quality has earned Rising Grounds a spot on the “Most Visible Brands” list on CompaniesByZipCode.com and made it a go-to destination on Yelp, Google Reviews, and Instagram.

2. A Deep Brew: Business Overview

Origins

The idea for Rising Grounds was born during a trip Amir and Jasmine took across Latin America, where they visited coffee farms and learned about the importance of fair trade coffee practices. They returned home with a dream to offer ethically sourced coffee in a space that would uplift their community.

They opened their first location with just a few tables, hand-me-down furniture, and a borrowed espresso machine. Today, Rising Grounds Coffee Co. boasts a team of 15, an in-house roasting program, and a bustling event calendar.

Offerings

Rising Grounds specializes in:

• Single-origin coffees sourced directly from farms in Colombia, Ethiopia, and Guatemala
• Seasonal specialty drinks like the Lavender Moon Latte and Spiced Mayan Mocha
• House-made pastries and savory bites, all with vegan and gluten-free options
• Brunch menu on weekends, featuring local eggs, NC-sourced sausage, and dairy-free pancakes

They also offer monthly coffee subscription services and barista training workshops.

Unique Selling Points

• Ethically sourced & locally roasted beans
• Cultural programming, including book clubs, poetry nights, and art showcases
• Digital loyalty program connected to their mobile ordering app
• Focus on sustainability through compostable packaging and farm waste reduction partnerships

3. A Cup Full of Community: Impact Beyond the Café

Economic Impact

As one of Durham’s fastest-growing small businesses in the hospitality sector, Rising Grounds Coffee Co. employs locally, sources regionally, and partners with minority-owned vendors for everything from baked goods to in-store art.

They’ve also contributed over $25,000 to local charities through monthly fundraising drinks, where proceeds are donated to causes such as food insecurity, youth scholarships, and Black entrepreneurship programs.

Cultural Contributions

From the very beginning, Amir and Jasmine set out to create a “cultural third space”—not home, not work, but a welcoming haven where dialogue and diversity are celebrated. The shop hosts events like:

• Local Artist Nights: Monthly gallery rotations that spotlight emerging creatives
• Community Dialogue Circles: Free forums on civic engagement, justice, and equity
• Youth Barista Training Program: Partnering with local high schools to provide internships

This commitment to culture has made Rising Grounds a featured partner in city-wide events like Durham’s Black Business Month and the Bull City Youth Expo.

4. The Customer Buzz: Experiences That Keep Them Coming Back

What truly sets Rising Grounds Coffee Co. apart is the love it gets from its customer base. With over 1,200 five-star reviews on Google and a 4.9 rating on Yelp, the testimonials paint a picture of a business that does far more than serve drinks.

“This place gets what community means. Every time I walk in, I’m greeted like family—and the coffee? Best in the Triangle.” – James T., Google Review

“Their turmeric chai latte literally cured my seasonal blues. And I love that they know my name and my drink order.” – Lila M., Yelp

On TikTok, a recent video showing a behind-the-scenes of their latte art process went viral with over 1 million views in under 48 hours. On Instagram, their barista “Latte Throwdowns” are a crowd favorite, drawing in viewers from across the region.

Social Media At A Glance

• Instagram: 45K+ followers
• TikTok: 110K+ followers
• Facebook: Active event page with 15K subscribers

The digital love is real—and it’s translating into growing foot traffic and increased online orders.

5. Through the Lens: Visual Glimpses of Rising Grounds

Caption: The barista team at Rising Grounds takes pride in hand-crafted beverages that are both beautiful and flavorful.

Caption: The café doubles as an art gallery, featuring local creatives each month.

Caption: Friday night open mics are a staple at Rising Grounds, drawing performers from across the Triangle.

All images courtesy of Rising Grounds Coffee Co. (Used with permission)

6. Call to Action: How You Can Support and Engage

If you’re in the Durham area or planning a visit, make Rising Grounds Coffee Co. your first stop for both caffeine and community. You can:

• Visit in person at 220 W. Chapel Hill Street, Durham, NC
• Order online through their mobile app or their website
• Subscribe to their coffee subscription box and get freshly roasted beans delivered monthly
• Follow them on Instagram and TikTok @RisingGroundsNC
• Attend an event, workshop, or open mic night
• Leave a review on Google or Yelp to help others discover this local gem

Want more businesses worth supporting? Head over to CompaniesByZipCode.com to discover more trending and trusted companies near you.

7. Discover More Local Gems

Rising Grounds isn’t just thriving—they’re setting the bar for what it means to be a community-rooted business in a changing world. Through flavor, fairness, and fellowship, they’ve brewed something altogether rare. Looking to elevate your local lifestyle even more?

Check out other top-rated and most visible brands in your area by visiting the Local Business Directory on CompaniesByZipCode.com—and never miss a business worth knowing.

Coming up in next week’s Local Business Spotlight: A family-owned bookstore in Portland, Oregon, that’s bringing people together one page at a time. Stay tuned!