Rooted Coffee Co.: Brewing Community in Winston-Salem

When it comes to the soul of a neighborhood, few places carry the weight and warmth of a great coffee shop. It’s where remote workers plug in for the day, friends catch up over lattes, and first dates turn into lasting memories. In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Rooted Coffee Co. has emerged as more than just a café—it’s become a cornerstone of the local culture and a catalyst for community-driven change. It’s no wonder Rooted Coffee Co. has earned a prominent spot in the “Most Visible Brands” section on CompaniesByZipCode.com.

With a focus on sustainably sourced beans, intentional hospitality, and designs that elevate comfort to an art form, Rooted Coffee Co. is doing more than pouring coffee—it’s crafting an experience. And residents are taking notice. From glowing social media buzz to write-ups in local lifestyle magazines, all signs point to one thing—Rooted Coffee Co. isn’t just trending, it’s transforming the Winston-Salem scene.

Hook: Why Rooted Coffee Co. Is the Brew Everyone’s Talking About

Wake up and smell the revolution—because in Winston-Salem, Rooted Coffee Co. is flipping the script on what it means to be your neighborhood café. It isn’t just the velvety cortados or the ethically sourced beans—it’s the sense that you’re walking into someone’s living room, where the community matters as much as the caffeine. Whether you’re a college student hunting for study space or a local entrepreneur building connections over espresso, Rooted Coffee is where culture, coffee, and community collide.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Business Overview
  • History and Founders
  • Unique Selling Points
• Community Impact
  • Local Collaborations
  • Sustainability and Social Initiatives
• Customer Experience
  • Real Testimonials
  • Signature Drinks and Dishes
• Visual Gallery
• Call to Action
• Explore More Local Gems

1. Introduction

Nestled in the Arts District of downtown Winston-Salem, Rooted Coffee Co. has grown from a weekend pop-up to a full-fledged brick-and-mortar haven for coffee lovers. As a hotspot for both locals and visitors, it has become synonymous with quality, creativity, and inclusivity. In a city famous for blending tradition with innovation, Rooted carries the banner with pride, infusing every cup and every conversation with purpose.

2. Business Overview

History and Founders

Rooted Coffee Co. was founded in 2019 by Justin and Natalie Wallace, a couple united by a passion for quality coffee and a mission to serve their community. Starting as a mobile coffee cart at farmers markets and art events, their commitment to ethical sourcing and intentional, relationship-driven service quickly gained traction.

By 2021, with growing local support, Rooted opened its flagship café on Trade Street. Designed with warm wood accents, inviting seating, and natural light, the space fosters everyone from focused freelancers to chatty groups of friends.

Unique Selling Points

What sets Rooted Coffee apart?

• Third-Wave Coffee Ethos: They source beans from small, ethical farms across Latin America and Africa, working with importers who support fair trade and environmental stewardship.
• In-House Roasting: Every bean is roasted in-house for optimal freshness and flavor profiles tailored to perfection.
• Thoughtful Menu: Whether you’re craving a lavender oat milk latte or a pour-over from Guatemala, Rooted offers options for aficionados and casual sippers alike.
• Local Infusion: The café regularly features baked goods from nearby suppliers and even hosts pop-ups with local food entrepreneurs.

3. Community Impact

Local Collaborations

Rooted Coffee Co. is more than a business—it’s a platform for partnerships. The café collaborates with local artists by showcasing their work on its walls, turning its space into a rotating art gallery. In addition, Rooted recently teamed up with Bookmarks, a local independent bookstore, for a “Books & Brews” series encouraging literary engagement over cappuccinos.

Sustainability and Social Initiatives

Rooted walks the walk when it comes to sustainability. The café uses compostable cups and aluminum straws, and has implemented a “Bring Your Own Mug” discount. Behind the bar, baristas are trained not just in latte art, but in minimizing waste and conserving water.

Even more significant is the Rooted Round-Up initiative, which enables patrons to round up their purchases in support of different local nonprofits each month. Past beneficiaries have included the Winston-Salem Street School and Second Harvest Food Bank.

4. Customer Experience

Real Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it—here’s what the people of Winston-Salem are saying:

“Rooted makes you feel like family. The staff remembers your name and your order. It’s the kind of place where ‘local’ still means something.”
— Kayla H., local educator

“Best espresso-based drinks in town. I’ve lived in Seattle and San Francisco—Rooted matches up with cafes on the coasts.”
— Devin G., former barista and coffee blogger

“I come here every Sunday for my weekly ‘reset.’ Something about the vibe, the playlists, and the coffee just centers me.”
— Julian T., UNC student

Signature Drinks and Dishes

Here are a few standout menu items:

• The Smokestack Latte: Featuring smoked cinnamon and brown sugar syrup—it’s Winston-Salem in a cup.
• Cascara Spritz: Unique to Rooted, this sparkling iced drink made with dried coffee cherry tea is equal parts refreshing and energizing.
• Cold Brew Float: Combining rich cold brew with a scoop of local vanilla bean ice cream, it’s dessert and caffeine in one.

They also offer vegan pastries, gluten-free banana bread, and a savory biscuit sandwich dubbed “The Local,” packed with pimento cheese and smoked bacon.

5. Visual Gallery

6. Call to Action

If you haven’t yet discovered the local love and liquid gold that is Rooted Coffee Co., it’s time to make a pit stop in downtown Winston-Salem. Stop by for a single-origin pour-over, attend a weekend open mic, or just curl up with your laptop and a book. You’ll see firsthand why this café means so much to the city—and why it’s one of the hottest spots on CompaniesByZipCode.com.

Ready to explore more standout businesses like Rooted? Visit CompaniesByZipCode.com to discover top-rated local hotspots, hidden gems, and community favorites in your neighborhood.

7. Explore More Local Gems

Looking for more places where passion meets professionalism? Check out these other Most Visible Brands featured on CompaniesByZipCode.com:

• Cranky’s Records & More – A vinyl haven with a nostalgic twist.
• Willow & Sage Floristry – Locally-grown blooms for every occasion.
• The Crafty Bee Boutique – Handcrafted goods with a heart for giving back.

Support local. Sip global. Stay rooted.